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4 Patriots who won’t be on the roster in 2021

By Thomas Carannante

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 20: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots talks with Julian Edelman #11 before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 20, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 20: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots talks with Julian Edelman #11 before their game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 20, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

3. Rex Burkhead

It’s hard to imagine the Patriots re-signing Rex Burkhead.

Rex Burkhead will be a free agent, and his situation is as unfortunate as it gets. Not only did he take a pay cut prior to the 2020 season to remain with the Patriots instead of getting released, but he then suffered a torn ACL midway through the season, which pretty much ended any hope for him to get one last somewhat lucrative contract.

Up until that point, he was having a productive season for the Patriots, which likely would’ve made him an asset to bring back, or for another team in free agency. Now, he’ll likely miss the start of next season and there’s really no point for New England to bring him back with Sony Michel’s resurgence, Damien Harris taking over as the No. 1 running back, and the likely scenario in which James White is retained at a discount.

We also can’t forget about JJ Taylor, who showed some burst out of the backfield (both as a runner and receiver) and on special teams. The Patriots already have three running backs on the roster and would likely prefer to bring back White over Burkhead.

It’s a fairly safe bet Burkhead won’t be a Patriot in 2021. But we will miss his elusiveness and tough running.

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