The New England Patriots are on the upswing after their win over reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Super Bowl hopeful Bills. The passing game has been electric this season, with Drake Maye on pace to throw just seven interceptions on the year and being top five in passing yards. Stefon Diggs' emergence over the past two weeks has been great to see, too, with back-to-back 100-yard games. All in all, there's plenty to be excited about.
On the other hand, the running game has been very disappointing. Rhamondre Stevenson's three fumbles in five games make him a major liability, and even so, he's under four yards per carry on the year. He's had two games where he's gone under 2.2 per carry.
Rookie TreVeyon Henderson has disappointed as well, rushing for 3.8 per carry and struggling when he got more touches against the Steelers in Week 3. The most effective back as of late has been Antonio Gibson, rushing for 4.2 per carry and nabbing his first offensive touchdown against the Panthers in Week 4. He had a kick return touchdown in Week 2 and was very effective in that role as well.
On a kick return on Sunday night, however, Gibson went down with an ACL tear that will keep him out for the rest of the season and beyond. With Stevenson's fumbling issues and Henderson's inexperience, the Patriots could be in the market to add to their thinning running back room.
Gus Edwards could be the perfect addition for the Patriots
Kevin Stephan of Chowder and Champions recently suggested the Patriots hit the free agent market, specifically for former Raven and Charger Gus Edwards. Edwards, 30, started his collegiate career at Miami and spent his final season at Rutgers, eventually going undrafted in 2018. He made an impact immediately, totaling at least 700 rushing yards each of his first three seasons in Baltimore.
He kept a streak alive in Year 4, maintaining a spectacular 5.0 yards per carry or better through each of the four years. 2023 marked his final season in Maryland, and he was given the reins as a more full-time back. He had career highs in carries, both rushing and receiving yards, and touchdowns. He finished with 990 total yards and 13 touchdowns.
Last year was his first and only with the Chargers, as his 101 carries led to just 365 yards and four touchdowns. His 3.6 yards per carry was a career low. As a career, the former Scarlet Knight has had a very solid NFL career, and it could be worth bringing him in to see what he might be able to spark up as a rotational back.
The Patriots recently signed Jashaun Corbin to their practice squad, who had over 1,000 total yards during his final season at Florida State back in 2021. He has one NFL carry. Terrell Jennings had 13 carries for 33 yards last season. He did have a productive preseason in 2024, averaging 6.2 per carry, but fell off in this past preseason with just 19 rushing yards.
While Corbin and Jennings could have long-term upside as developmental pieces, adding an immediate contributor through a veteran like Edwards could be very wise. With veterans now eligible for the practice squad, his being signed to the practice squad initially and then being elevated is also a possibility. For a team in desperate need of running back depth, Edwards is exactly what the squad might need.