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3 free agent running backs Patriots should take a peek at

By Jack Long

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warm ups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 27: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during warm ups before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Mike Davis #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at FedExField on December 27, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 27: Mike Davis #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the second quarter at FedExField on December 27, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. Mike Davis, 28

Christian McCaffrey’s fill-in from this past season showed that he deserves a larger role, and the Patriots could be willing to give him that chance.

Mike Davis had a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers this year, with Christian McCaffrey sitting on the IR for the bulk of the campaign.

Davis is a shifty back that can get it done between the tackles, but also has sneaky speed. Davis had near 650 rushing yards while gaining close to 400 receiving.

If Bill Belichick likes what he saw this season from the breakout backup, he could be inclined to add him to the mix and utilize him either as an every-down back or focus on his pass-catching and pass protection.

Although he will be in for a substantial pay raise from last year’s $3 million contract, Davis will probably remain among the cheaper options for the upper echelon free agent running backs due to his small sample size as an NFL starter.

Davis would probably be the riskiest option of all the backs that will be mentioned today for the price that he will cost, but if he showed anything this past season, he is a dynamic back that can do it all.

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