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Patriots sign former Bengals running back Rex Burkhead

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots have signed former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead. 

The running back market has been very weird so far in the 2017 NFL offseason. There remains a number of quality running backs out there, such as Jamaal Charles and Adrian Peterson. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead leads the 2017 free agency class in guaranteed money for running backs. It continues to get weirder, as the New England Patriots are

Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead leads the 2017 free agency class in guaranteed money for running backs. It continues to get weirder, as the New England Patriots are bringing in former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead.

"The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder, has played in 42 NFL games with one start and has 87 rushing attempts for 375 yards and three touchdowns and 34 receptions for 288 yards with one touchdown. He also has 27 special teams tackles, including consecutive 10-plus tackle seasons with 11 in 2015 and 12 in 2016."

This is primarily a special teams signing. Burkhead is one of the best special teams players in the NFL and should help the Patriots out there. Moreover, he can make plays in space, as he’s always been more of a receiver out of the backfield than a traditional runner. It should be interesting to see how Josh McDaniels utilizes his running back by committee.

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The committee should be led by Super Bowl hero James White and Dion Lewis, though Burkhead should see some action as well. He’s the heaviest running back on the Patriots roster right now at 214 pounds. This is a pretty solid tandem, but it lacks the power LeGarrette Blount brought to the table.Expect the Patriots to try to bring him back at a reasonable price or target a bigger back such as James Conner or D’onta Foreman in the NFL draft. New England is also weighing what they’re going to do with cornerback Malcolm Butler, who is drawing interest as a restricted free agent.

Expect the Patriots to try to bring him back at a reasonable price or target a bigger back such as James Conner or D’Onta Foreman in the NFL draft. New England is also weighing what they’re going to do with cornerback Malcolm Butler, who is drawing interest as a restricted free agent.

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