Patriots Bring In Free-Agent RBs Starks, Cunningham For Visits
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots remain active exploring the NFL free agent market. The team brought a handful of players in for visits Thursday. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, in addition to receiver Chris Hogan, the Patriots hosted two free-agent running backs: the Green Bay Packers' James Starks and the Los Angeles Rams' Benny Cunningham.
Starks played all 16 games for the Packers in 2015, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and at times siphoned carries off of starter Eddie Lacy. He just turned 30 years old on February 25, but has significantly less tread on his tires compared to most running backs approaching that age. Starks' 148 rushing attempts in 2015 was the highest total of his career.
Cunningham, 25, has carried the ball 150 times in 46 career games with 4.3 yards per attempt. With Todd Gurley grabbing the bell-cow role by the horns in Los Angeles, Cunningham became expendable.
SEE ALSO: NFL Free Agency Tracker
The Patriots are in need of extra bodies at running back, especially for the early-down role previously held by free-agent RB LeGarrette Blount. Dion Lewis, James White, and Brandon Bolden remain on the depth chart, but all three are better utilized in pass-catching roles.
Starks is the kind of one-cut power runner the Patriots look for in their early-down backs. Cunningham can be effective between the tackles. Both can be a factor in the passing game. The Patriots have also been reported to be looking at running backs for the upcoming NFL Draft, but clearly they are looking for a more established option to have a chance to carry the rock.
The Patriots also brought in two other pass-catchers for visits, Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater and Jaguars tight end Clay Harbor. Streater was noted in my February column about possible "scrap heap" free agents the Patriots could look at. Clearly Nick Caserio owes me a bonus if they sign him.
Who do you think the Patriots should look at in free agency? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
