On July 7th, the New England Patriots and Rex Burkhead agreed to restructure his contract. Burkhead is in the final year of his contract and is now scheduled to make $1.05 million. Before the contract reworking, he was scheduled to make $2.5 million. This new restructured contract allows the Pats to gain more cap space, but what does this mean for the Patriots?
Can Rex Burkhead’s experience in the Patriots system be enough to hold onto the 3rd running back spot on the depth chart?
Come September, those questions will be answered.
Burkhead’s familiarity to the Patriots system bodes well come final cut day. Now that Rex has taken a “pay cut”, this could be something Bill Belichick takes into account when deciding the depth chart. The team has always come first in New England. Seemingly, this move by Rex demonstrates that he is willing to do what it takes to stay on the team. For most of this career, staying healthy has become a problem. Many believed without the restructured contract, Burkhead was going to get cut or possibly traded to make cap room.
With this being his final season on his contract, Rex has plenty to prove to not only himself, but to the Patriots coaching staff. This move puts all eyes on Damien Harris in a battle with Brandon Bolden for the 4th and probably final running back spot on the depth chart.
While most eyes might be on the quarterback position, the running back battle during Patriots training camp just got a bit more interesting.
-Robert Marcello is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @RobertMarcello5
