The Patriots worked free agent running backs Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson yesterday. The workouts made national headlines but the reality is, the Patriots need another running back.
Rhamondre Stevenson is the unquestioned starter and is primed for a big season. He is after all a top five running back in the league. He cannot take all of the carries however. The Patriots could give some of those carries to Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris but the second year backs are still relatively unproven. Veteran Ty Montgomery is also in the mix but he is coming off injury.
By bringing in Fournette and Henderson, the Patriots worked out two proven veterans who have been productive in their careers, specifically Fournette who was a key cog for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense the past three seasons. Will they sign either one? That remains to be seen.
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is also a free agent and Vegas recently listed the Patriots as the favorite to sign him but as far as we know, the Patriots have had no communication with his camp.
Bill Belichick has never been shy about adding a veteran prior to training camp or even during training camp. That is why the Patriots are in play for one of these veteran running backs. The question is. Who do they want to pay? All three will garner interest and all three will end up signing.
If I were a betting man, I say they sign Henderson but don’t be surprised if they ultimately sign Fournette.