James White Has His Sights On 2022

Lost in the commotion of just about every other offseason storyline is the future of impending free-agent running back, James White.

According to Karen Guregian, the soon-to-be 30-year-old is recovering well after a hip injury and plans to play in 2022. Whether or not that is with the Patriots remains to be seen.

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White entered free agency last offseason and returned to New England on a one-year, $2.5 million contract. However, that was short-lived as White played just three games after suffering a season-ending injury in September. Prior to that, White was one of the elite pass-catching running backs in the league. Even in the first year post-Tom Brady, White had 49 receptions for 375 yards with several quarterbacks under center in 2020.

Prior to 2020, for a stretch of four consecutive seasons, White averaged 69 receptions, 594 yards, and five touchdowns a season just through the air. The Patriots went to three of four Super Bowls in that time, winning two, including the epic 25-point comeback against the Falcons in which White played the biggest role by anyone not named Brady in that game.

With the growth of Damien Harris and the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson last year, as well as a limited amount of cap space, it will be interesting to see if the Patriots attempt to bring back White. Regardless of who else may be on the roster, having White as a weapon on offense can only help Mac Jones growth.