Patriots Player Departure Pats trade Sony Michel to LAR

[Ring 6]

(1) I thought they’d keep Sony as the hope was NE would be run heavy in 2021
(2) I think it’s playing with fire to trade competent backs, since the position is dangerous
(3) But I suppose if they’re set on 5 RBs, this makes more sense than releasing Taylor
(4) Stevenson might not be the redshirt others have been (Vereen, White, Harris)
(5) maybe BB feels that he can pluck another RB from somewhere that can get the job done if something happens
(6) Is Bolden safe now ? I suspect some would say “he always was”…

I think this 100% says Stevenson is playing and spotting Harris week 1.

 

[signbabybrady]

I don’t like these kind of moves. Michel definitely could have contributed regardless of the debate about what his actual role would have been. Why get rid of a contributor when you get very little in return?
On the other hand this is a huge signal that Stevenson is ready to assume that role.

Only so many roster spots available. Depending how many TEs/FBs we carry I wouldn't be shocked if one more RB goes too.

 

[farn]

I miss Develin.

 

[Ring 6]

I think JJ is closer to Dion Lewis, who did quite a bit of running but contributed a lot to the passing game.

Lewis was unique. It’s easy to compare players because of their size but 99.9% of the guys Lewis’ size would have no chance to play like he did.

 

[Ring 6]

Only so many roster spots available.

There is room for 3 normal sized RBs.

 

[Joey007]

I really hope Stevenson’s ready then. And also hope Harris stays healthy.

 

[libra957]

Michel was simply expendable.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Sad to see him go. His 2018 was instrumental for the Pats success. Some haters totally disregarded that contribution but I get the business side of it by the front office. Was he really poised to have a comeback season? Time will tell, He looked good this preseason and it was nice having the depth. But I get if.
Pats didn’t pick up the 5th year so I’m not surprised.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

I do believe JJ Taylor would have made this squad regardless of this. I was almost convinced given Ivan Fears commentary Stevenson would be Foxboro Flu'd.

However, this all but proves - Mondre' or should I say MANdre is ready to go.

Great pick.

 

[jdlboot14]

I know Sony has never shone as a #1RB. But, I was seeing such a deep RB corp as a great thing, considering the scheme of the team. We've seen this before with a strength turning into a weakness due to injury. If Harris or White get injured, we're suddenly in trouble. No one wants Bolden as our lead back. And only getting 2 worthless draft picks next year is garbage for a 1st round pick.

 

[Kontradiction]

Heh. Come take a bow @Triumph.

 

[Joey007]

That’s funny, because I don’t remember ANYONE ever comparing him to Barry Sanders.

People literally just thought he wasn’t terrible, and were appreciative for what he did for us in the 18-2019 playoffs.

But yeah, that makes us think he’s Barry Sanders.

 

[Wozzy]

Smart. Taylor is returning kickoffs so he was locked in. Stevenson has been solid so he was worth holding onto.

You don't pay RB's massive deals, they're expendable. BB got an instant starter for his 31st overall draft pick then exchanged it for 4th round value four years later.

If Sony stayed healthy his entire career maxing out his talent, then left now over a contract dispute because the Pats weren't willing to pay him (Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins, Trey Flowers) would that have been good value for that pick?

Sony ran them to a championship in 2018. The "BB sucks" people will find fault at every turn.

 

[scott99]

Obviously it’s hyperbole but the defense this guy would get around here for being as average as average can be was ridiculous. The guy was a JAG who had an UDFA like career as a first round pick. I’m glad he’s out of the way and no longer clogging up the depth chart.

His career stats show you are underrating him. Show me a JAG UDFA who has these kind of stats during their first 3 years.

535

2,292

4.3

14

Despite injuries and missed games, averaged 178 carries a year, and 764 yards, and 5 TDs a year. His only fault was health. When healthy he was a good back.

 

[signbabybrady]

There is room for 3 normal sized RBs.

Maybe....we will see if all 3 Harris, Dre, and Bolden make it. Obviously Harris and Dre are safe just put them on as they are 2 of the 3 normal sized RBs we have as you put it. After Harris I could care less about size more interested in who's better. But we still have plenty of size.

 

[50-yard-line]

Not a fan of the move. They were finally passing him the ball, and surprise, surprise, he was catching it and making moves in space for extra yards. Fears loves Taylor, though, so it is what it is.

The Rams will win this trade short term. Michel should do very well there. And he can protect Stafford, both with check-downs and because he's a superb pass-protection back.

Ah well, see ya, Sony. You were a way better Patriots than many on this board will ever admit.

 

[Uptown]

 

[Triumph]

Heh. Come take a bow @Triumph.

I cant.

Fashistley wont like it.

 

[PP2]

I know Sony has never shone as a #1RB. But, I was seeing such a deep RB corp as a great thing, considering the scheme of the team. We've seen this before with a strength turning into a weakness due to injury. If Harris or White get injured, we're suddenly in trouble. No one wants Bolden as our lead back. And only getting 2 worthless draft picks next year is garbage for a 1st round pick.

You're forgetting Stevenson. He is the one that made Sony expendable. Then there's JJ Taylor..

I really like this mix. Harris and Stevenson have speed and pass-catching ability. Stevenson is a battery ram, JJ Taylor is shifty and elusive.. nothing tires a D out than having to constantly adjust to different backs.

 

[Sicilian]

I cant.

Fashistley wont like it.

What a gracious winner you are.