The New England Patriots are among the best-positioned teams going into the offseason. The team is 10th in effective cap space with 12 draft picks, all while still having their quarterback on a rookie contract.
While they relied on their running backs heavily during the postseason, specifically Rhamondre Stevenson, the bulk of the regular season was underwhelming. TreVeyon Henderson's inability to get going in the postseason was apparent: just 66 rushing yards and 1.7 YPC across four games.
The Stevenson contract looks far better now than it did before the bye, so much so that New England may be able to trade him should they choose. While it seems unlikely, it could be a move the Patriots opt to make to clear some cap space in order to bring in an upgrade at running back. Perhaps Kenneth Walker?
Kenneth Walker could be a free agent target for the Patriots
The Patriots don't have the need for a $12 million+ running back right now, but if they wanted to get their hands on Walker, they have the chance to. The former second-round pick out of Michigan State tore them up in the Super Bowl, winning MVP and taking his 27 carries for 135 yards (5.0 YPC). During the regular season, he just eclipsed 1,000 yards while splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet.
In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Moe Melton, New England was, not surprisingly, omitted from the list of suitors for Walker. If New England would like to add him, however, it would be doable.
The Patriots would save $2.6 million of Stevenson's $7.4 million cap hit if they found a trade partner. Releasing him wouldn't help the cause, but a late-round pick swap could be enough for New England to clear the money and snaps to add Walker to the backfield.
As fun as he would be to add after his spectacular playoff run (104.3 yards per game), the Patriots should seriously consider looking to fill other needs before going after Walker. Upgrading the offensive line, improving their TE2, and adding a top receiver come before running back on my list of priorities this offseason.