Patriots Free Agents 2012: Kevin Faulk

Over the next two weeks, we'll be looking at each Patriots free agent and projecting whether or not they will re-sign with the Patriots this offseason;

Kevin Faulk

Age: 35

Position: Running back

Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

2011 Stats: 7 games played; 3 starts; 17 carries, 57 yards; 7 receptions, 24 yards

Overview: After 13 incredible years with the Patriots, it looks like Kevin Faulk's career could be coming to an end. Faulk has been supplanted by Danny Woodhead as the team's primary 3rd down back. After coming off the PUP list earlier this year, Faulk initially played a big role in the Steelers game, before his playtime fell off completely. While part of the reason could have been due to a sore knee as Faulk recovered from a torn ACL, it was pretty apparent by the end of the year that the Patriots would be moving on from him. While I could see the Patriots offering Faulk an unguaranteed contract to compete for a spot in training camp, he appears a longshot to be on the 53 man roster this September. Nonetheless, Faulk has had a great career in New England, and is one of the smartest, hardworking players to ever play for the Patriots. I could definitely envision a scenario where he returns to the Patriots as a member of the coaching staff in 2012, since that's what his role has essentially been the past two years.

Prediction: Retires (and maybe returns an an assistant coach)