NFL Trade Deadline: Patriots Looking for a Running Back, Doug Martin an Option?

The Patriots are thin on running backs following the ACL injury to Stevan Ridley. Citing a source, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reported this morning that the Patriots are indeed looking to add another running back to the mix.

Florio does not provide many details, but one would think the Patriots would be looking to add a between-the-tackles runner. The team is expected to feature Jonas Gray in that role today against the Bears, while Shane Vereen hasn't proven durable enough to carry the load.

There are a couple of runners on the trade market that could make sense for the Patriots.

One is Buccaneers running back Doug Martin. Florio connected the dots on this one. Martin has underwhelmed since his fantastic rookie season, and is averaging just 2.9 YPC this season. Still, his salary is reasonable and his upside is still pretty high considering he is just 25 and has less than 500 carries to his resume.

The other is Rams runner Zac Stacy. Multiple media outlets have reported that Stacy is on the block following his demotion to Benny Cunningham and Tre Mason. Stacy had a strong rookie campaign, but just hasn't shown the necessary explosiveness to remain the key cog in the St. Louis offense. Still, he's a big, powerful runner who could play a role in the Patriots backfield.