Outside of Nate Solder going to the Giants and becoming the highest paid tackle in the game, free agency has unfolded as I pretty much expected, and that includes the Patriots latest move of locking up Rex Burkhead for three more seasons.
The #Patriots and RB Rex Burkhead agreed on a 3-year deal, source said. It’s heavy on guaranteed money.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Burkhead certainly flashed a handful of times in 2017, his first with the Pats, but injuries derailed him every time. He still managed to finish with career highs in touchdowns (8 — 5 rushing, 3 receiving) and receptions (30), despite only appearing in 10 games and playing a total of 196 offensive snaps. He also blocked a punt against the Broncos to go with a touchdown.
His best stretch of the season came from weeks 9-12, where he had 40 attempts for 180 yards and three touchdowns to go with 12 catches and two receiving touchdowns. If that’s the Burkhead we get for the next three seasons, look out.
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He had just one attempt against the Jaguars in the AFC Championship and three attempts against the Eagles in the Super Bowl. However, he did have a 46-yard reception in the big game that set up the Patriots second field goal of the game. Again it goes back to my frustration with the over-reliance on James White and less for Burkhead and Dion Lewis in Super Bowl 52.
There’s no question if he stays healthy Burkhead is a dual-threat who runs the ball like he’s shot out of a cannon and executes the kind of precise routes Tom Brady loves. It’s just a matter of staying on the field and the Patriots coaching staff building a gameplan around him. I love his versatility and ability to play special teams (102 ST snaps).
His return to the Pats certainly will cost less than Dion Lewis would have, and he could very well give them equal production if he doesn’t get hurt. He should combine with White, Mike Gillislee and perhaps a rookie to give the Pats a pretty well-rounded backfield.
