The New England Patriots could fill one of their biggest needs by signing a former New York Jets running back.
The Patriots are interested in free agent Bilal Powell, league sources told the New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta. The 5-foot-11, 204-pound running back carried the ball 70 times for 313 yards with one touchdown in 2015. He also had 47 catches for 388 yards with two scores while dealing with ankle and groin injuries.
Powell also is receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, according to Mehta.
Powell, who came into the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick out of Louisville in 2011, has 402 career carries for 1,609 yards with seven touchdowns. He has 112 career receptions for 899 yards with two touchdowns. He had seven carries for 56 yards and five receptions for 34 yards in Week 16 against the Patriots last season.
The Patriots currently have running backs Dion Lewis, James White, Brandon Bolden and Tyler Gaffney on their roster. Powell, like Lewis and White, likely would serve as a “sub back” in the Patriots’ offense. Lewis had an expanded role last season before his season ended with a torn ACL.
Thumbnail photo via Ed Mulholland/USA TODAY Sports Images
