NFL Rumors: Patriots Add Running Back Depth By Signing Jeremy Hill

The New England Patriots suddenly are very active in free agency.

The Patriots signed running back Jeremy Hill, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates. This news come minutes after defensive end Adrian Clayborn signed with the Patriots, as well.

Hill, 25, is a 6-foot-1, 230-pound running back who was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals out of LSU. He had a tremendous rookie season, carrying the ball 222 times for 1,124 yards with nine touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 215 yards. He’s slowed down since, carrying the ball 704 times for 2,873 yards with 29 touchdowns and 67 catches for 484 yards and one touchdown in four total seasons. He had just 37 carries for 116 yards with four catches for 16 yards in seven games last season before hitting injured reserve with an ankle injury.

Hill joins Rex Burkhead, James White, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden on the Patriots’ running back depth chart. It’s possible Gillislee could be fighting for a roster spot after the Patriots signed Hill. Hill projects as a short-yardage back in New England.

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