Free-Agent RB Donald Brown Flying Under Radar As 'Perfect' Signing For Patriots
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Of all the free agent signings the Patriots have made in the 2016 offseason, running back Donald Brown is being talked about the least.
The reasons are obvious: the Patriots are still a pass-first offense. They already have Dion Lewis. Bill Belichick typically uses a committee approach at the position. Brown has averaged 3.1 yards per carry in the past two seasons, while only starting five games.
However, like almost every acquisition the Patriots make, it's not about what Brown did in the past, but what he will do now that he's in New England.
San Diego Chargers president of football operations John Spanos addressed the signing at the NFL Owners Meetings on Saturday, calling Brown a "perfect Patriots signing."
"I would bet anything [Brown is] going to be a productive player for them," Spanos said on the Patriots. The president of Brown's former team cited stiff competition from talented backs like Ryan Mathews and former Patriot Danny Woodhead, as well as the team's first-round investment in Melvin Gordon, as reasons why his tenure in San Diego didn't work out.
"It just didn't work out here [in San Diego] but I believe it will for him there [in New England]," Spanos continued. "Perfect player for them. And he's a guy who'll be the first guy in, does his work, does whatever he's asked and just keeps to himself. He's one of the players you really root for after they leave."
Brown certainly sounds like a good guy for the locker room and the kind of football-focused, hard-working team player Belichick always loves to have. As a player, Brown has above-average vision of the field and can be quick and decisive to the point of attack, which could make him the ideal kind of back to lead early-down carries in the Patriots' scheme. He can also catch passes out of the backfield, which could make him adequate insurance for Lewis.
However, Brown's contract is of minimal financial commitment: his one-year deal pays him a base salary of just $885,000 in 2016, plus an $80,000 signing bonus and only $300,000 guaranteed, and a $680,000 cap hit. The Patriots are far from committed to keeping Brown on the roster come Week 1, but the backfield isn't exactly crowded with high-end talent. The Patriots had a glaring weakness in the running game, at both the running back position and on the offensive line, and Brown could still end up becoming a key player to their turnaround, if only as a depth piece.
Do you think Brown will end up being a sneaky-good signing for the Patriots? Or is he "flying under the radar" for a reason?
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.
