The New England Patriots continue to make adjustments to the roster as they prepare to potentially begin the season without Tom Brady. The pressure is on Jimmy Garoppolo to step up in a big way should Brady's suspension not be overturned when his appeal is hear. The question is do the Patriots have enough all-around offensive power to help the backup quarterback succeed? With doubt surrounding the run game, could New England make an addition?
According to ESPN's John Clayton, the Patriots are an option for Ray Rice. In the football sense, this is the ideal move to make. In the media sense, this is another added distracted to a team that cannot afford any more. However, New England has a need for another big running back. LeGarrette Blount will begin the season suspended, missing the first game. Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley have both departed.
The question the Patriots must answer is just how confident they are in players like Jonas Gray and James White. New England technically has a lot of depth at the running back position, but no guaranteed threat. Last season, Blount and Ridley split the work load. Gray had the one breakout game and then was never heard from again. With Garoppolo under center, having a strong rushing attack will be key and it is no guarantee the Patriots have the personnel to get the job done.
Clayton is confident a team signs Rice. He believes the former Baltimore Ravens running back will get the second chance in the NFL he is aiming for and it likely will happen around training camp time. The Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns have also been listed as potential landing spots for the rusher. New England is getting a full look at their roster during OTAs and mini-camps. Any lingering doubt could force them Rice's direction.
For most free agents, their contract demands will dictate their future. According to the Boston Herald, the only chance Wes Welker has of coming back to New England is if he accepts a minimum contract. The slot receiver made it clear that he is healthy and would be open to a return to the Patriots, but most expect him to want some security in his contract considering his injury history. Rice would be expected to accept the same type of contract.
According to ESPN, the Patriots have released tight end Tim Wright who was responsible for six touchdowns last season. That opens the down to another playmaker coming in. Chances are really 50-50 on it either being Rice or Welker.
