The defending AFC champions have re-signed Brandon Bolden. So what does that mean for the rest of the team’s running back corps?
Back in 2015, the New England Patriots failed to get where they have been each of the past two seasons. A 20-18 loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game capped off an uneven season for Bill Belichick’s team. Despite a 12-4 record and another division title, it was a one-dimensional offense that eventually proved to be the club’s undoing.
Upgrading the offensive line and ground attack has been a priority these last few years. Obviously, it’s made the great Tom Brady even more effective. After running for the third-fewest yards in the league in ’15, the Pats have finished seventh and 10th in the NFL, respectively, in yards per game on the ground.
As has been the case in recent times, it’s been backfield by committee in Foxborough — even if the members of that committee have changed at times. But one of the team’s longer-tenured players will be back in 2018 and won’t be testing the free-agent market.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com), the Patriots have inked Brandon Bolden to a one-year contract extension. It’s a deal worth $880,000 and keep the former undrafted free agent from Ole Miss with the team for a seventh consecutive year.
The 28-year old performer has played in at least 10 games in each of his six seasons. He’s managed a combined 1,285 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in 83 regular-season outings over that span. Of course, he hasn’t been much of a ball-carrier as of late, totaling only 14 carries since 2016.
Bolden has also been a major factor on special teams. On the kick coverage units, he’s racked up a combined 26 tackles, three forced fumbles and a blocked punt.
With Bolden under wraps, the Patriots now have him, Super Bowl LI hero James White, Mike Gillislee and fullback James Develin under contract for 2018. Which means the club still has decisions to make on potential free agents Dion Lewis (the team’s leading rusher in 2017) and Rex Burkhead.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: One unexpected pick for each team
Could Belichick and the organization keep the entire corps intact? You have to figure Lewis will get his share of offers. But could his role be filled by White? In any case, retaining Bolden is good news for the New England offense and special teams.