You might not consider running back a need for the Patriots but it is. As it stands, Rhamondre Stevenson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, Kevin Harris and JaMychal Hasty and KeShawn Vaughn are listed as the only running backs on the depth chart.
Ezekiel Elliott, who signed with the team at the end of training camp is a free agent. Elliott was good for the Patriots last season and could possibly be back. He was open to reunion at the end of last season. Elliott rushed for 642 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. Those are not great numbers but they are not bad numbers for a second back. He ended up catching 51 passes which greatly enhances his value.
Elliott will have a market. If he opts to play elsewhere, there are some intriguing free agent options who could fit the Patriots new offensive scheme.
I do not expect the Patriots to be in on Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard or Austin Eckler but they are flush with cash and could spend on one of those guys if they wanted to.
Here are some potential fits.
D’Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles: A long shot, Swift would be a great complement to Stevenson and could be insurance if Stevenson opts to leave in free agency after next season.
Swift ranked fifth in rushing yards this past season. He rushed for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. It was his first-ever 1,000-yard season. Swift ended up with a career-high 1,263 yards from scrimmage and scored six total touchdowns
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens: The Gus Bus rushed for 810 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is a big back who can pound the ball inside the tackles and move the pile. He would be a great complement to Stevenson in that regard but his limitations as a receiver make him a long shot.
A.J Dillon, Green Bay Packers: Could Dillon be willing to come back home? The former Boston College star is similar to Edwards but a better receiver. He is a grinder who churns out yards in short yardage and goal line situations. Dillon finished the year injured but he still managed 613 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Zach Moss, Indianapolis Colts: Moss had a career year rushing for 794 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He also had 192 yards receiving yards and caught two touchdown passes. One would have to think that a reunion with the Colts would be in Moss’ best interest but he would be a nice fit in Alex Van Pelt’s system and he is exactly what the Patriots are looking for in terms of a second back to complement Stevenson.
Devin Singletary, Houston Texans: Singletary would be a great stylistic complement to Stevenson. He is more of a scat back type who can play on passing downs and be highly productive. We saw what he can do in the West Coast offense last season rushing for 986 yards and six total touchdowns. Singletary also caught 30 passes. He will not be cheap necessarily but the Patriots are familiar with Singletary from his time in Buffalo and they have seen what he can do in a similar offense. They will be interested.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns: Hunt knows AVP’s system from their time together in Cleveland. He has proven in the past that he can absorb multiple carries in a game and be a starter. He is also a receiving threat out of the back field. If the Patriots are looking for an affordable second option at running back, Hunt could be in play.
Others:
Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Clyde Edwards-Hellaire, Kansas City Chiefs
Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings
J.K Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens