NFL Rumors: Patriots ink RB James White to new deal
James White reportedly got a payday this afternoon from the Patriots.
When you make things happen in sports, often you are compensated for your work. That time apparently came for Patriots running back James White on Tuesday.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, White received a three-year contract extension on top of the year he had remaining with the team. He was extremely effective in the Super Bowl back in February, and many believed he was worthy of MVP honors. White finished with two rushing touchdowns along with 110 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. New England does a tremendous job of getting production out of its backs without relying solely on one guy.
With LeGarrette Blount’s status up in the air, the Pats still look like they’ll have an effective rotation at hand with White, Dion Lewis, and Rex Burkhead. The team also extended an offer sheet to Bills RB Mike Gillislee today.
Super-Bowl hero James White and Patriots reached agreement on 3-year extension, tying him to New England for 4 years, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2017
With a convoy of backs to deploy, you can bet New England will find the most appropriate ways to use them. In a game dependent upon matchups, no team seems to be more opportunistic than Belichick and company. If you are a third down back, there seems to be no better place to land than in Foxborough. The Pats certainly have the luxury of letting Blount walk. If he won’t accept what they offered him, they could probably could not care less.
Next: Best NFL player from each state
When you take a look at James White’s numbers overall in three years, some may ask why he just got a new deal. However, White was a very talented player coming out of Wisconsin, and he has seen his role increase tremendously.
After what he did on the biggest stage, he will have every opportunity to keep moving forward.