3 unexpected free agent signings the Patriots could still make happen

Kareem Hunt

As the roster currently stands, do the Patriots need to add a running back?

No, but it wouldn't hurt to add a dual-threat veteran to split carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, who was burnt out by season's end last year.

Now that Damien Harris has signed with the Buffalo Bills, Stevenson is the unquestioned RB1 in New England. The only ball carriers sitting behind him are second-year players Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr., as well as J.J. Taylor and hybrid RB/WR Ty Montgomery, leaving most of the work presumably on the shoulders of Stevenson.

Although it's difficult to conclude that at this moment since Harris and Strong haven't had many opportunities to show how they can help the offense, adding a guy like Kareem Hunt could dramatically change the Patriots' running game.

Throughout his six-year career in the NFL, Hunt has been a consistent offensive weapon both on the ground and in the passing game. Between his time in Kansas City and Cleveland, he's totaled 895 carries for 4,025 yards and 31 touchdowns. On top of that, he adds 211 receptions for 1,806 yards and 17 touchdowns.

His numbers have dropped over the last two seasons, mainly due to the addition of Nick Chubb and his rise to becoming the RB1 for the Browns. But Hunt is still just 27 years old, and he could be an excellent reliever for Stevenson, who can perform similarly to what Belichick wants in his running backs.