The New England Patriots have been smart throughout free agency while replacing players they lost, including with signing Danny Amendola for Wes Welker and now the team is looking to add to a strength, as Felix Jones is visiting with the team.
According to ESPN.com, Jones is visiting and working out for the team this week and he could sign a deal with the Patriots if they like what they see. Jones is one of the most high profile players left in free agency and he has spent his entire NFL career with the Cowboys before being released. He was a first round pick in 2008 after playing at Arkansas, where owner Jerry Jones went, which came after he played behind Darren McFadden in college.
The 26-year-old running back dealt with injury issues over the past few years, but last season he was fully healthy and he also visited with the Eagles and the Jets. He played in all 16 games last year while playing behind Demarco Murray and he started seven times while gaining 402 yards along with three touchdowns as well as 25 receptions for 262 yards and two scores. His pass catching ability could be the main reason he goes to New England, as Bill Belichik loves extra skills out of the backfield.
The running back could fit in nicely with Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden, as well as new addition LeGarrette Blount, who was acquired in a trade. The team also has Leon Wasington, but he may focus on returning kicks rather than the offense. The team had one of the best rushing attacks last season and Belichick is always looking for new advantages on offense and Jones could help replace the production of Danny Woodhead.
The team mostly used Ridley in offensive sets last season, while Vereen may get more carries even if they sign Jones. The former Cowboys back has been able to catch passes throughout his career, including 48 in 2010 and that could be his ticket to New England. The Patriots are also likely to never go the Tim Tebow route, as one insider said that Belichick hates him as a player, although he likes his work ethic.
Tebow has been "blackballed" due to the media hype around him and as long as that keeps churning he may never get his chance in the NFL again. The Patriots appeared to be a good fit with an established quarterback and a high powered offense, but after Belichick's thoughts went public, it is unlikely that'll ever happen.
