Update on 3/24/2021: James White is supposed to return to Patriots under a one-year contract
According to ESPN, James White’s return to New England will come through a one-year contract. Although the full details of the contract have not yet been released, it is expected to be relatively economical from the team’s point of view – all while preparing White for another run at the free agency in 2022.
Original story 3/24/2021: James White is supposed to return to the Patriots
James White is set to execute it in New England.
After exploring the free agency market, the 29-year-old running back is expected to return to the Patriots, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The details of the contract have not yet been agreed, but the expectation is that the deal will be closed “soon”.
White has become one of the most revered players in Patriots history since his arrival in 2014. His 369 receptions and 3,184 reception yards are second only to Kevin Faulk (431, 3,701) most of the time for a Patriots running back. His next touchdown will put him in a tie for first place for most for a running back in the team’s history.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and member of the Patriots All-Dynasty Team, White has become a fan favorite since he was drafted by the University of Wisconsin in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After an unsurprising rookie campaign, White established a role for himself in the Patriots’ attack, eventually entering a magical post-season race in 2016 that saw him mark the game by winning the touchdown in Super Bowl 51 overtime.
With White’s hiring, the Patriots’ running back room is identical to the group they ended last season with. Sony Michel and Damien Harris carried most of the load in the first downs, while White handled the pass downs. Special team ace Brandon Bolden and sophomore JJ Taylor filled in less consistently.