One of the biggest surprises of the Patriots’ offseason to date, not involving alleged criminal activity, was the release of running back James Robinson before the start of minicamp. Robinson was signed to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million in the offseason, and the popular thinking was he’d have made a nice complement to lead back Rhamondre Stevenson. In 2020 Robinson came from out of nowhere to lead the Jaguars with 1,070 rushing yards to go with 344 receiving yards and 10 overall TDs. A pleasant surprise for an undrafted free agent out of the unheralded Illinois State football program. Then, the injury bug came to town.
Speculation was that the talented but oft-injured back had not fully recovered from the injuries, which led to the Jags dealing him to the Jets for just a sixth-round pick last season, and subsequently led the Jets to not tendering an offer to him last winter. As ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted, Robinson was released right when physicals were taking place, and his deal was structured such that his release really didn’t hurt the team much … except for the disappointment that comes with seeing a possibly significant contributor on offense not healthy enough to play.
So, what’s next for the Patriots at running back? Stevenson, one of the NFL’s best all-around backs and a star on the rise, is set as feature back. Veteran Ty Montgomery, who was able to play just one game in the 2022 campaign due to injuries, has been having, by all accounts, a strong offseason. And second-year backs Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. could also see expanded roles on offense.
But, that doesn’t mean the Pats’ running back room is set quite yet. In fact, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Pats add a veteran back for camp competition, if not act as a change of pace or backup to Stevenson in Bill O’Brien’s new Pats offense.
Here are a couple of names to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
LEONARD FOURNETTE
Lombardi Lenny as they call him, Fournette recently revealed he’s still bothered by the 2018 AFC Championship loss he suffered in Foxboro to the Patriots while then a member of the Jags. What better way to try and get over that than by joining the team that kept him out of the Super Bowl — his old pal Tom Brady’s former team no less? Fournette eventually won a Super Bowl with Brady and the Buccaneers in 2021 and still may have some gas in the tank (he was fifth in YAC for RBs in 2022).
He’s 27, and remember, before signing with the Buccaneers last offseason, he did take a free-agent visit with the Pats, so there’s been mutual interest. And he likely wouldn’t cost too much on a one-year flier, as Spotrac has his AVV at just north of $2 million a season.
DALVIN COOK
Look, if you want to go for it, or shoot the moon and add a massive talent that recently became available, no matter your pre-existing running back depth, you go after a stud like Cook, who was released recently by the Vikings.
Though he might be nearing the back nine of his NFL rushing days, there’s no doubt he can still work it between the tackles, around the edge and in open space with his unique blend of size, speed and power. He’s averaged over 1,100 rushing yards and at least six TDs a season the past four years. He’ll cost big-time starter money, likely over $8 million a season, but if the Patriots want to prevent a division rival like Miami from acquiring his services while committing to a monster running back core, this would be the bold move.
KAREEM HUNT
A third-down and passing-back specialist, who is also better than advertised as a classic back, Hunt seems to have played his way out of Cleveland, where he was rather successful as the two in a 1-2 punch of he and Nick Chubb the past few seasons. He’s dealt with a few injuries the past few seasons and his stats, including yards per carry, dropped off in 2022 (Cleveland’s offense had their issues pre and then with DeShaun Watson last year). Montgomery seems to be the clubhouse leader for passing and third-down back, but he’s had injury problems, as well, so perhaps Hunt could lessen the load and be a veteran insurance policy.
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT
The artist still known as Zeke is not the elite power back he once was, so much so that the Cowboys released him this offseason, basically handing the starting RB duties to the younger and more effective Tony Pollard. But Pollard himself is recovering from a broken leg, so his good health is far from set in stone. A reunion in Dallas is still thought to be likely for Zeke, but on Jerry Jones’ terms. If that less-than-what-he-was-making kind of offer is not to his liking, then perhaps Zeke would consider joining the rotation with Stevenson and company in the Pats backfield? CBS Sports recently floated the idea of a one-year, $5 million Zeke-to-Pats deal, stacking talented but aging vets on their offense, along with DeAndre Hopkins. He blocks well and still packs a punch once he gets rolling. Might be worth a peek?
OTHER NAMES OUT THERE…
J.D. MCKISSIC - The veteran pass-catching back only played in eight games in 2022, but he could offer a change of pace, especially as a third-down specialist.
REX BURKHEAD - Though 32 and past his prime, Burkhead was a fan and team favorite in Foxboro. If he’s still looking for one final go-round, he could provide veteran value and some occasional playmaking talent.
KENYAN DRAKE - The man who crossed the goal line for the Dolphins in the infamous “Miami Miracle” play, Drake has bounced around the league the last few seasons. After falling out of favor in Las Vegas after the 2021 season, he landed in RB-needy Baltimore and averaged almost five yards per carry in 2022.
JAMES ROBINSON - Who knows if his relationship with the Pats is good enough that he could return if and whenever healthy again?