New England Patriots Should Sign RB Fred Jackson

ByDan Schmelzer|

On Monday, the Buffalo Bills released running back Fred Jackson. The 34-year-old Jackson has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Bills, and leaves as the third leading rusher in franchise history with 5,646 yards (4.4 yards per carry average).

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The Bills acquired LeSean McCoy to handle the number one running back duties this off season, and they also drafted Karlos Williams in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Veterans Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon also figure prominent on the Bills’ running back depth chart, leaving the option to cut Jackson as the preseason rosters shrink.

While his legs may not be as fresh as they once were, Jackson is a strong veteran presence who could undoubtedly make some noise for a team in a reduced role. The New England Patriots have some nice players at the running back position, but they would be wise to look to add Jackson to the mix.

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Right now, LeGarrette Blount is the Patriots’ leading “big back,” and he is expected to see the most carries for the team throughout this upcoming season. Jonas Gray will be Blount’s primary back-up, and he should particularly see a big role in Week 1 as Blount sits for his one-game suspension.

Blount may be the lead guy, but as per usual, the Patriots will use a running back by committee approach. The race to replace Shane Vereen as the “pass catching back” is primarily between James White and Dion Lewis, with Travaris Cadet likely out of the mix after struggling through most of the preseason with a hamstring injury. Brandon Bolden could also figure in here.

The Patriots have a lot of options at the running back position, but all of them come with plenty of questions. Also, none of them have the skills to play multiple roles.

Blount and Gray are solid powerful running options, but neither player will give the team much in a receiving role. White, Lewis and company are nice receivers out of the backfield, but none of them are going to be major threats in the running game, which is part of what made Vereen so valuable with the team.

Feb 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (left) running back LeGarrette Blount (second left) and running back Jonas Gray (second right) during the Super Bowl XLIX victory parade. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Adding Jackson may seem like just throwing another horse into the race, but it would be much more than that. Jackson would bring some much-needed balance to the position for the Patriots, as he would be the only player who could be featured in a prominent role as both a rusher and a receiver.

Teams are going to be able to key on the running back position for the Patriots as it sits right now. When Blount is in the game, the play is using going to be a run, and the defense can adjust. If it is White lining up in the backfield, there is a fair bet that a pass from Tom Brady or Jimmy Garoppolo is coming.

Jackson’s ability as a rusher has been proved over many years, and he will undoubtedly be a threat to do some damage on the ground when in the game. On top of that, Jackson has proved to be an elite receiver out of the backfield in recent years. In fact, last season, Jackson totaled a whopping 66 receptions for the Bills.

If Jackson were to be included to the backfield mix in New England, teams would be unable to key on him when trying to recognize the play. Jackson’s ability to excel as both a runner and receiver would be an extremely welcomed addition to help balance the running back corps in New England.

Also, considering he has never reached the playoffs in his career, and would also get an opportunity to face the team who cut him twice a year, I would imagine that Jackson would have some interest in the Patriots if they were to come calling.

If nothing else, he is a good veteran clubhouse influence who brings nice depth. Probably not an acquisition that moves the needle much, but Jackson would help the Patriots this season.

Next: Top Five Destinations for Fred Jackson

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