Patriots Free Agency Outlook – Running Backs
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Alfred Morris
Morris is the Washington Redskins workhorse back and at 27 would be a few years younger than Forte and likewise would be a great fit for the Patriots offense. Morris is a between the tackles kind of runner who is very good at finding and exploiting the holes that the offensive line can open up.
He’s been compared to former Patriot running back Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis who made the tough yardage inside but with better burst without putting the ball on the ground. Morris hasn’t fumbled since October of 2014 in a game against the Seahawks.
Morris is only a so-so pass receiver out of the backfield, having never caught more than 17 passes in any season. But he’s an outstanding pass blocker, something the Patriots value highly in any of the running backs. Having Morris on the field would definitely help in play-action situations.
Morris could come significantly cheaper as well. After notching a career high 1613 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie in 2012, he’s seen his numbers drop every season since then. He rushed for a career low 751 yards with only a single touchdown in 2015. Critics pointed out his lack of explosiveness and his tentativeness in the backfield, however that could be attributed to the injuries along the Washington offensive line last season.
The Patriots could possibly sign him to a short-term type prove-it deal for 2016 and see if they can re-ignite his career in Foxboro. Morris is an exemplary player on and off the field and would be an intriguing player to watch in free agency.
Next up…could the Pats poach from a divisional rival?
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