Patriots Sign RB Travaris Cadet, One Step Toward Replacing Vereen
 The signing of Travaris Cadet by the Patriots is just a step in replacing Shane Vereen, competition will still be wide open. (USA TODAY Images) |
The Patriots made the first step in addressing their pass-catching option at the running back position on Tuesday with the signing of free agent running back Travaris Cadet, free agent of the New Orleans Saints.
Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate reported the deal was for two years, terms were not available.
Cadet, 26, a 6’1, 210 running back spent three seasons with the Saints and had 10 rushing attempts for 32 yards, 38 receptions for 296 yards with one touchdown and returned 15 kicks for 364 yards in 2014. Cadet notched his first career touchdown with a 3-yard catch against the Patriots on Oct. 13, 2013.
Cadet will vie with Brandon Bolden, Tyler Gaffney and second-year player James White for the coveted third-down back for the Patriots. One area he will definitely need to work on is his pass blocking skills, something he was not called on to do much with New Orleans but is very important with New England.
Contrary to what is being talked about, I’d put Bolden as the favorite right now. We thought White was the heir apparent but have heard rumblings that the Patriots aren’t sure he can handle the load. Cadet just made things very interesting as he’ll push Bolden and White for reps. Gaffney is another wildcard in this mix. No one really knows what he can do yet. Right now, it would be best to temper expectations and let him get on the field first. If anything he can be a hidden gem if he works out the way the Patriots staff believes he will.
This move by the Patriots is again a first step; I would fully expect the team to still address the running back position in the middle rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. They’ll be looking for a back that can carry the ball 5-10 times a game and be a reliable option out of the backfield. And lastly the Patriots will target a guy who can pickup blitzers in the blocking game.
Competition should be wide open; this signing is by no means an end to their search. One sleeper in the mid-rounds to watch is RB David Johnson, RB from Northern Iowa who can do all of those things and may be available in the 3rd - 4th round. And most importantly, whoever wins the job must win the trust of #12, because as we've all seen, if Tom Brady doesn't have trust in your ability to be in the right place at the right time, you won't see the ball.
The competition among the running backs should be a major factor to keep an eye on this spring and summer. As always, Bill Belichick takes 365 days to build a roster; fans shouldn’t worry too much about the first week of free agency. How many teams that load up initially are there when the fat lady sings?
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