The New England Patriots lost out on some of the top tier players in free agency. Running backs Chris Ivory (Jaguars), Matt Forte (Jets), Doug Martin (Buccaneers), and Lamar Miller (Texans) are all off the market, which means that the Patriots have to look at the next tier of players.
New England expressed interest in Jets running back Bilal Powell, but appear to be out of that race at this point in time.
Market for Jets RB Bilal Powell is intensifying. Broncos are interested. Jets still in it. No Patriots. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 9, 2016
This just means that the Patriots have to keep digging. Incumbent LeGarrette Blount is still open to a return, but there are additional players on the market that could interest the Patriots to some degree.
I'm told #Patriots have some level of interest in Broncos RB CJ Anderson.
— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) March 9, 2016
While #Patriots have some interest in Khiry Robinson, they haven't officially made contact with him yet. No real rush with RFA market.
— Mike Loyko (@NEPD_Loyko) March 9, 2016
Bill Belichick's mentor Bill Parcells compared Robinson to Curtis Martin, so perhaps that's a signing that could pay off down the road. Just like it was with the wide receivers, look for the Patriots to sign an unsexy running back to help out the backfield.