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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the New England Patriots are fielding calls for running back Jeff Demps, to try and see if they can net a few more picks before the NFL Draft draws to close. Rapoport tweeted this out:
Sounds like #Patriots are actively trading -- or trying to trade -- Jeff Demps. Olympian wants to play football & track. Could happen soon
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2013
My initial take on this is that the Patriots are clearly ready to move on from Demps, who has recently stated that he would like to both run track and play professional football. And to be fair, Demps, who was a runner for the United States in the 2012 Summer Olympics, is fully justified to want to try and do both.
But, while his plan may jive with other coaches, it certainly doesn't with a coach Bill Belichick; who wants his players to be 100% committed to their team.
And in an essence, the Patriots have done enough to make the speedy Demps expendable. They signed kick return specialist Leon Washington, also a running back, to handle the primary kick off duties, presumably. They also re-signed primary punt returner Julian Edelman to continue returning punts for the team.
If they do ultimately find a partner for Demps, which I think they might, it will probably be for a seventh rounder and a draft pick in the future. Certainly a situation to keep an eye on.