The 2026 offseason is moving right along, and the New England Patriots still have a lot of holes to fill in their roster. On offense, bolstering the offensive line and protecting Drake Maye are the priorities. They've done little there to upgrade the protection.
Among other needs, a sneaky need is at running back. One writer, NESN's Daniel Fisher, suggests former Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, lately of the Texans, might be a nice free agent signing as a third back. It's an interesting idea at a definite position of need.
The Patriots have two solid backs on their roster and not much else. They need to carry at least three on the roster, so they'll have to sign or draft one to acquire the necessary depth. An injury to either big-back Rhamondre Stevenson or explosive second-year player TreVeyon Henderson would be devastating to their offense.
Stevenson and Henderson are a top tandem, but running backs, like every other NFL position, suffer injuries. Backs are especially at risk of getting hit with big shots almost every time they carry the rock. Every NFL team needs several, and the Patriots are no exception.
They have no running back depth, and that can be the great equalizer during the grueling 17-game NFL season and in the playoffs.
The Patriots need to add more running backs to their roster this offseason
Daniel Fisher of NESN thinks the Patriots should sign veteran free agent, former Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb.
"One area the Patriots should consider bolstering in free agency is the running back position. There are still a handful of veteran running backs available on the market, and Nick Chubb could be a great addition to New England. Last offseason, Chubb joined the Houston Texans, where he played in 15 games and rushed for 506 yards with three touchdowns.
Those stats aren't impressive, but if the Patriots could bring Chubb on board for at least one season — and be an insurance policy if either Rhamondre Stevenson or TreVeyon Henderson were to get injured — it could turn out to be a great decision."
The four-time Pro Bowler Chubb is a 5'11", 227-pound big back who's an eight-year, 30-year-old NFL veteran. He's gained over 1000 yards four times in his career, most recently in 2022. He's been injury-plagued in a couple of recent seasons.
Yet he played 15 games, gaining 506 yards at a 4.1-yard average and scoring three touchdowns for the Texans in 2025.
Fisher makes an important point. Adding a veteran like Chubb to the mix, if he checks out physically, provides insurance against injury. He'd be a cost-effective option. It's also advisable for the Patriots to use a mid or lower-round draft pick on a young back.
You can never have too many solid runners. They'll get injured, and the team can't ever afford to be one-dimensional on offense.