The New England Patriots have had a history of talented and sought-after running backs, and their contracts have always been a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike. While the Patriots are known for their frugality when it comes to player contracts, they have made some notable exceptions when it comes to their running backs.
One of the most recent examples is the contract extension given to James White. White has been a reliable and productive running back for the Patriots since he was drafted in 2014, and his contract extension in 2018 reflected that. He signed a three-year, $12 million deal that made him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
Another running back who received a sizable contract from the Patriots is Rex Burkhead. In 2018, Burkhead signed a three-year, $9.75 million contract to stay with the team. While he has battled injuries and inconsistency throughout his time with the Patriots, the team clearly values his versatility and ability to contribute on special teams.
Of course, no conversation about Patriots running backs contracts would be complete without mentioning the deal given to former running back LeGarrette Blount. Blount was a key contributor to the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2016, and he was rewarded with a one-year, $1.1 million contract. While that may not sound like a lot, it was a significant increase from his previous contract with the team and a show of faith in his abilities.
However, not all Patriots running backs have received such lucrative contracts. In fact, some of the team’s most productive and beloved running backs were on very team-friendly deals. For example, Dion Lewis, who played for the Patriots from 2015 to 2017, was on a three-year, $1.8 million contract during his breakout season in 2017. Similarly, Danny Woodhead, who played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2012, was on a two-year, $925,000 contract in his final season with the team.
Overall, the Patriots have a reputation for being shrewd with their contracts, and that includes deals for their running backs. While some, like James White and Rex Burkhead, have received sizable contracts, others have been signed to team-friendly deals. Regardless, the Patriots have consistently found success with their running backs, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.