Patriots Bring James White Back on a 2-Year Deal

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2 years ago at 2:27 pm ET

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have been focused this season on bringing back some key players and it looks like they’ve brought back another after re-signing veteran running back James White.

CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported that New England reportedly signed White to a 2-year deal worth $5 million, with incentives that could reach $7 million. That’s a pretty good deal for White, who is coming off of a significant hip injury that he suffered during the team’s loss to New Orleans in Week 3 of the 2021 season.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported that the Raiders were also in the mix, but that since the Patriots wanted him back, White told him “that’s all that matters”.

White was injured after hauling in a 6-yard pass on a 3rd-and-3 early in the 2nd quarter, with the veteran taking a hit and then clearly being in pain before leaving the field.

His recovery has reportedly gone well, with Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reporting last week that White claimed he was “doing great” and was looking forward to getting back on the field in 2022.

In his absence, Brandon Bolden filled in about as well as anyone could have hoped, securing the role primarily due to his ability to pick up the blitz and keep defenders away from rookie QB Mac Jones. He was effective out of the backfield, finishing the season with a career-high 41 receptions along with 405-yards. Bolden is currently a free agent.

White was originally selected in the 4th round out of Wisconsin in the 2014 Draft and has been a key component during the team’s recent three championship seasons. The veteran RB turned 30 back on February 3rd.