New England Patriots: 3 reasons team must sign this running back
The New England Patriots will begin training camp shortly yet they still need additions to the roster to have any chance at a playoff berth in 2023. A position of dramatic need is offensive tackle, the second most important unit on the team after the quarterbacks. The team is woefully thin there.
Another position that needs bolstering is running back. After star third-year player, Rhamondre Stevenson, there's is little else in tow after the free agency departure of Damien Harris. Among others, there is one free agent running back who'd fit the bill to a T. That would be Leonard Fournette. Here are three reasons he makes perfect sense.
New England Patriots need another experienced back
After the aforementioned Stevenson, there's little in the cupboard at running back. Second-year pros Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. aren't going to excite the Gillette stadium crowd very much. Ty Montgomery is a nice dual-option threat but he can't stay on the field.
Leonard Fournette would add a lot to the Patriots' arsenal. First, he's an experienced player. He has been a Super Bowl winner with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. In addition, he's six-year veteran. Fournette gained 668 yards with three touchdowns and 3.5 yards per carry in 16 games in 2022 for Tampa Bay. With Stevenson onboard, he won't have to log mega carries. But he can move the chains and push the pile.
New England Patriots can use another pass-catching back
A second reason Fournette fits the Patriots well is his ability to catch the ball from the backfield. he had a whopping 73 catches for 523 yards and another three TDs in 2022. That's a real dual-threat right there. With Stevenson hauling in 69 passes in 2022 as well, a tandem of him and Fournette is a nightmare for opposing defenses to game-plan against.
That aspect of Fournette's repertoire is exactly what New England needs to present a multi-faceted dimension at running back, no matter who of that pair or Montgomery is on the field. The lack of any other reliable, tested depth on the roster is ample reason to spend what it takes to land the versatile big back, Fournette.
With any offense that is going to have to be innovative and clever in light of its offensive line deficiencies, an addition with dual capabilities is just what's needed.
The New England Patriots can use another big back
The third major reason the New England Patriots should sign Fournette is to have a really capable backup big back to Stevenson. While Harris may have some potential, the Pats can't risk their season on a hope and a prayer on Harris.
The New England Patriots thrive with a big back in a lead role. From the early days until more recently with Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon, and LeGarrette Blount, big backs have brought big success to Foxborough.
Fournette would deliver a great one-two punch with Stevenson and the options are intriguing should the two be on the field together. In addition, should Rhamondre get dinged up, Fournette will step right into the breach seamlessly.
Those are three reasons the New England Patriots should move quickly to sign Leonard Fournette to a two or three-year deal. At age 28, he can continue to be productive for a few more seasons. That's the thought here for an added running back for the New England Patriots. Do you feel the team needs to add depth to that position and who would you like to see? We'd like to hear.