The 11-year veteran back out of LSU, who has spent his whole career in a Patriots uniform, will reportedly stick around for at least the 2010 season, as Schefter says the deal is of the one-year variety. Faulk has never been a feature back for the Pats, but he has been a versatile weapon out of the backfield, topping 40 receptions in a season five times while twice rushing the ball 100 times or more.
Faulk’s chemistry with Tom Brady has kept him involved in the offense in recent years. He is often getting thrown to when the franchise quarterback feels the heat in the pocket and needs a check-down receiver. His ability to hurt defenses catching the ball has allowed him to remain successful, finishing last season with the second-highest rushing average of his career (5.4 yards per carry), albeit on just 63 carries.
At age 33, Faulk should still be able to fill the role of third-down back nicely. His re-signing could keep the Patriots from pursuing someone like Brian Westbrook, who — on the wrong side of 30 himself — has never been the every-down, between-the-tackles type of back that would complement Faulk.
