The Patriots had a ton of depth at running back, six players deserving of making the roster -- a good problem to have, according to Bill Belichick.
But, now they have five as Sony Michel has been traded to the Rams in exchange for two late conditional-round draft picks.
Obviously, the Rams needed a running back with all the injuries they are dealing with, but to only get two late conditional picks in return, that seems a little low. Yes, Michel is only under contract for this season, but he was a first-round pick a few years ago and couldn't the Patriots have held Sean McVay and Co. to the fire knowing how badly they need a back?
So, the return seems a little low, but even more importantly, the Patriots are taking a risk at the position by trading away a player who likely would have contributed this season.
New England will now likely go into the season with Damien Harris as its lead back, James White the main third-down back, and then J.J. Taylor, rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden rounding out the depth chart.
To start the year, that's perfectly fine. But, what if an injury occurs?
Harris was injured at the start and end of last year, so it's no guarantee he makes it through the year healthy. And then if he's out for any extended period of time, they will be relying heaving on a rookie in Stevenson and Taylor carrying the football.
Stevenson has been impressive the last few weeks, but it came just a week or so following running backs coach Ivan Fears saying he needed to work on "everything." Taylor is a fine player to have on a roster, but is a lot of carries the best thing for him and the team? Bolden can always be used in a pinch, although he's more of a special teams player. And White hasn't seen extensive carries since Wisconsin.
Michel definitely had his faults, but he seemed to be having the best summer of his career and played the best football when he was competing with Harris last season. There was a role for him in the offense and it would have increased if Harris were to go down.
To start the season the Patriots will be fine at the position, but an injury could change that in a hurry.
Maybe if the Patriots got more than two conditional-round picks the deal could be justified a little more. But, as of now, it feels like the Patriots are taking a risk without getting much for it.