The New England Patriots have been relatively quiet to open the NFL’s legal tampering period but are apparently picking up their pace today. After earlier reports that the club will re-sign free agent defensive edge John Simon, it will now bring back a familiar face albeit under slightly different circumstances: according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing running back Brandon Bolden to a two-year deal.
Bolden, of course, started his career as an undrafted free agent signing with the Patriots in 2012. He spent the first six years of his career in New England as a core special teamer and rotational depth running back, before his release during last year’s roster cuts. Bolden subsequently joined the Miami Dolphins: he appeared in all 16 regular season games for the club and played 65.9% of special teams snaps.
While his offensive impact was limited — Bolden played just 25 snaps as a running back all year long — he finished the season with 11 touches for 104 yards and three touchdowns, with both of them coming against his former team in week 14. After the season, the 29-year-old’s contract with Miami was set to expire and it now looks as if he will return to his old stomping grounds.
In New England, Bolden will do what he always did: serve as a key presence on all four special teams units, a leader in the locker room, and an emergency running back — all at what projects to be a low-cost contract.
[UPDATE] ESPN’s Mike Reiss has the contract details.
Brandon Bolden: 2 years, total value 4.7 million
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 15, 2019
Signing bonus: $1 million
2019
Base: $1m (gt’d)
Roster bonus: $200k ($12.5k per game)
Incentives: $500k
2020
Base: $1.3m
Roster bonus: $200k ($12.5k per game)
Incentives: $500k
ANALYSIS: Strong deal. Good chance he is on team