The New England Patriots are bringing back one of their two free agent running backs.
One day after losing Dion Lewis to the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots agreed to terms with Rex Burkhead on a multi-year contract, a league source told The Boston Globe’s Jim McBride.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the contract is a three-year deal “heavy on guaranteed money.”
Burkhead, who joined the Patriots from the Cincinnati Bengals last spring, battled multiple injuries during his first season in New England but was productive when healthy. He scored eight total touchdowns in 10 games (five rushing, three receiving), including six in a four-week span from Week 12 to Week 15.
Splitting touches with Lewis, James White and, to a lesser extent, Mike Gillislee, Burkhead carried the ball 64 times for 264 yards and caught 30 passes for 254 yards during the regular season. He was used sparingly in the playoffs but did have a 46-yard catch-and-run against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
Burkhead also saw time on special teams, blocking a punt in a Week 10 win over the Denver Broncos.
Re-signing Burkhead removed the need for the Patriots to sign a running back in free agency, as they also have White, Gillislee and Brandon Bolden under contract. They still could look to draft one, however, as this year’s class is flush with talent at the position.
Lewis’ contract with Tennessee reportedly is a four-year deal worth up to $23 million.
