Should we get a top RB in FA?

[ahmed]

I always think that draft and FA should be approached like how investment funds approach money allocation for different investments. Part of that is knowing there are value dislocation in the market and playing accordingly.

To me draft should be about picking the positions that are either hard to get in FA or too cost prohibitive (e.g. LT, QB, DB) and FA should be about picking unloved positions (e.g. RB) or those we suck at drafting (e.g. WR).

That said there is an amazing number of very good to great RBs. Given that we don't know if we will have a good QB, I think we should get a great RB for relatively cheap in FA that can be 40% of our offense who will give you guaranteed production and help take the burden off of whoever we choose at QB.

Just look at list of available RBs. I think we can secure high production at $10MM or so which is less than 4% of the cap. IMO it's a no brainer. Even if we push to $12MM, it's still nothing relative to the value an elite RB can bring us especially if we go rookie at QB.

Sources: Franchise tags unlikely for Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley

Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard are among the running backs not expected to be franchise-tagged and are expected to be free agents, sources told ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[TheRainMaker]

Short answer is no. This isn’t the 1990’s.

Pats need to focus on QB, WR and OL.

 

[Sicilian]

I think there's a scenario where this makes sense. The RB position in free agency is pretty deep, AND the position is being devalued in general across the league. That means there's a good chance one of these guys is left out in the cold and can be had for a bargain. If that guy is someone like Swift or Ekeler, where they would be a good passing game compliment to Stevenson as the bruiser, then I say go for it.

But I'm not spending big bucks on a guy like Barkley when there are so many other parts of the roster that need a bigger boost.

 

[hornetfb85]

Yes, they should 100%
If in all likelihood they draft a young QB, a good run game will be a big benefit.

 

[LightSkinSmurf]

Hell no.

*Edit* Idk how I read the title so wrong and thought it said draft a top RB. Still stand by my no though. Any cheap decent RB will do.

 

[Hyped]

Comments:

1.) I wouldn't give a FA RB more $$$/snaps than Rham. Rham is our #1.

2.) I would sign a 3rd down RB though....some of them could be bargains.... and also a 2nd RB to rotate in with Rham and Kevin Harris.

 

[patsfanfromoversea]

if no one blocks for a top rb then they are not producing. I would focus on other positions but wouldn't mind a pass catching rb, A young qb needs a security blanket

 

[signbabybrady]

I know it's asking a lot but if one of them can be as good as CMC I'd pay up.

That said Rham is pretty good and I think we could pair him up with a number of guys and have a good running game. Especially if we fix the OL.

 

[archstanton543]

 

[JohnJH]

Short answer is no. This isn’t the 1990’s.

Pats need to focus on QB, WR and OL.

In FA you might find an OT or WR (or defensive pieces), but not a long term answer at QB. Anything other than a lower cost "Bridge" QB while the one you drafted sits and learns (while the OL and rest of the offense is built up) is a significant waste of money and makes you no better in the rebuild to true SB contender/winner status.

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I know it's asking a lot but if one of them can be as good as CMC I'd pay up.

That said Rham is pretty good and I think we could pair him up with a number of guys and have a good running game. Especially if we fix the OL.

I believe Rham is on the final year of his deal…and has taken on too much of a load. Add that he brings ZERO to the pass game and I def think they need to add a weapon there.

 

[JohnJH]

if no one blocks for a top rb then they are not producing. I would focus on other positions but wouldn't mind a pass catching rb, A young qb needs a security blanket

A still young or relatively so and can step-in 3rd down RB would be a nice addition.

 

[JohnJH]

I think there's a scenario where this makes sense. The RB position in free agency is pretty deep, AND the position is being devalued in general across the league. That means there's a good chance one of these guys is left out in the cold and can be had for a bargain. If that guy is someone like Swift or Ekeler, where they would be a good passing game compliment to Stevenson as the bruiser, then I say go for it.

But I'm not spending big bucks on a guy like Barkley when there are so many other parts of the roster that need a bigger boost.

There is a chance that Barkley might not cost as much as people think. Especially if he and other RB's aren't getting what they think they're worth.

 

[signbabybrady]

I believe Rham is on the final year of his deal…and has taken on too much of a load. Add that he brings ZERO to the pass game and I def think they need to add a weapon there.

Rham isn't useless in the pass game he's actually pretty good at it. He's had over 121 receptions in his career with a 6.5 yards per reception.

 

[upstater1]

Yes, I absolutely do this. If you want to help your QB and your OL, then a home-run hitting RB like Barkley instantly catches the defense's attention.

You have to spend the money somewhere. This isn't committing to a guy for the heavy long-term. Barkley is 27, so sign him until he's 29.

It's a very good idea especially when there are slim pickings at tackle and WR.

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

If we can get Barkley on a good deal I’d do it.

 

[kevan]

AJ dillon and Antonio Gibson combined is probably gonna be around 7-8 mil
A road grader with a Derrick Henry like athletic profile and Gibson can be the pass catcher with great size and speed

 

[Uptown]

I wouldn’t classify Gibson as a “top RB” but this would be a coup IMHO..

Gibson is one of the more underutilized/talented RB’s in the league and his market value is much lower than the average RB (I believe). He has great size, is an excellent receiver and has been relatively healthy since entering the league. I’m honestly not sure how good he is in pass protection. I believe he’d be an asset here behind Rham.

Antonio Gibson | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

Antonio Gibson signed a 3 year, $11,250,000 contract with the New England Patriots, including $3,000,000 signing bonus, $5,300,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $3,750,000. In 2025, Gibson will earn a base salary of $2,350,000 and a workout bonus of $140,000, while carrying a...

www.spotrac.com

 

[PatsFan2]

Yess some RB's cam make their own holes we need one of them I like S Barkley.

 

[PatsFan2]

If we can get Barkley on a good deal I’d do it.

Yep dudes an all purpose RB.