The New England Patriots are known for making bold moves in the offseason, and this year is no exception. After signing an undrafted free agent who has been described as a “sure thing” and compared to Christian McCaffrey, it seems the Patriots may be ready to part ways with their current No. 2 running back.
According to reports, the Patriots have signed undrafted free agent J.J. Taylor, a running back out of the University of Arizona. Standing at just 5’5″ and weighing 185 pounds, Taylor may not have the prototypical size for an NFL running back, but his talent and potential have caught the attention of the Patriots’ coaching staff.
Taylor’s impressive stats at Arizona speak for themselves. In his senior year, he rushed for 721 yards and five touchdowns, while also adding 32 receptions for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He was also a standout in the return game, with two punt returns for touchdowns in his college career. His versatility and explosive playmaking ability have drawn comparisons to Carolina Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey.
This signing has raised questions about the future of the Patriots’ current No. 2 running back, Rex Burkhead. The 29-year-old has been a solid contributor for the Patriots since joining the team in 2017, but his production has been limited due to injuries. With a salary of $11 million over the next two years, it seems the Patriots may be ready to move on from Burkhead and give Taylor a chance to shine.
But what does this mean for the Patriots’ running back depth chart? It’s no secret that the Patriots have struggled to find a consistent running game since the departure of LeGarrette Blount in 2017. While James White has been a reliable pass-catching back, the Patriots have yet to find a true workhorse back. Could Taylor be the answer?
It’s certainly a possibility. Taylor’s speed, agility, and elusiveness make him a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing game. And with the Patriots’ offense in need of a spark, Taylor could provide just that. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss could add a new dimension to the Patriots’ offense, making them even more difficult to defend.
Of course, it’s important to remember that Taylor is an undrafted free agent and still has a lot to prove at the NFL level. But if his college career is any indication, he has the potential to make a big impact in the NFL. And with the Patriots’ track record of turning overlooked players into stars, Taylor could be the next diamond in the rough.
It’s also worth noting that the Patriots have a history of making tough decisions when it comes to their roster. While it may be difficult to see a player like Burkhead, who has been a valuable member of the team, potentially being let go, the Patriots have always prioritized winning above all else. And if they believe that Taylor gives them the best chance to win, then they won’t hesitate to make the tough call.
In the end, only time will tell how this situation plays out. But one thing is for sure, the Patriots are not afraid to take risks and make bold moves. And with the signing of J.J. Taylor, they have once again shown that they are always looking for ways to improve their team and stay ahead of the competition.
So while it may be sad to see a player like Rex Burkhead potentially leaving the team, Patriots fans should be excited about the potential that J.J. Taylor brings to the table. With his talent and potential, he could be the missing piece that the Patriots’ offense has been searching for. And if he can live up to the comparisons to Christian McCaffrey, then the Patriots may have struck gold once again.