Patriots add ideal Brandon Bolden replacement with latest signing

The New England Patriots have reversed course on their aggressive spending habits in free agency that they picked up last year. Bill Belichick seems to be back to his old tricks, meaning that plenty of high-profile names left town in search of bigger contracts elsewhere.

That mindset has not only led JC Jackson to take a humungous contract with the Chargers, but it convinced Brandon Bolden to part ways with New England and join Josh McDaniels’ project with the Raiders. The value he brought on offense and special teams needs to be replaced.

Not only is a suspect special teams unit on the verge of officially losing Gunner Olszewski, but that unit will also have to replace the production Bolden provided on kick coverage. Belichick wasted no time in making sure that the Bolden and Olszewski-sized holes on this roster are full.

The Patriots have agreed to a two-year contract with Ty Montgomery, who spent the last two seasons as a backup with the New Orleans Saints. Olszewski and Bolden may be on their way out, but Montgomery should be able to provide a decent facsimile of their games.

How will Ty Montgomery fit on the New England Patriots?

Originally drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft as a wide receiver by the Packers, Montgomery became Green Bay’s top running back after a host of injuries. He amassed 800 yards from scrimmage in 2016, but he has only seen spot duty as a running back since then.

Montgomery tried his luck with the Ravens during Lamar Jackson’s rookie year, Adam Gase’s Jets, and New Orleans in the post-Brees era. While his status as a viable backup running back is fading, the fact that he was so dynamic as a special teamer and returner could help him find a role in New England.

The return of James White means that Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson will likely take the lion’s share of the carries with White as the pass-catcher. Even if he doesn’t run the ball a ton, Montgomery’s penchant for big special teams plays will make him a valued asset.

If the worst-case scenario happens and one of those backs ends up getting injured, Montgomery could step in and take a few carries. In the truest sense of the phrase, this is a low-risk deal that fortifies a sketchy Patriots roster at multiple positions. Maybe this new offensive staff can get Montgomery back on the right track.

3 teams that can save Patriots with N’Keal Harry trade

With N'Keal Harry generating interest on the trade market, here are three teams who could save the Patriots and trade for the former first-round pick.