According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots are adding to their backfield depth by signing former Jets and Jaguars returning James Robinson to a two-year contract.
One of New England’s top in-house free agents is fourth-year running back Damien Harris, and this move indicates the Patriots may be heading to Robinson as Rhamondre Stevenson’s top backup. The Pats usually load on depth at the position, with Robinson fitting in an early roll while adding more in the passing game than you’d expect for a 220-pound back.
Last season, Robinson amassed 425 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 110 carries that were split between Jacksonville and New York. Now three seasons away from a 2020 1,000-yard campaign with the Jags, Robinson was traded to the Jets in late October and released en route to free agency this offseason.
Although Robinson was not as productive during the 2022 season, he came off a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in Week 16 of the 2021 season. Theoretically, he should be closer to his pre-achilles tendon this season.
Robinson has a good feel for finding fast lanes, lateral speed to pop out of tackles to get through the line of scrimmage, and contact balance to run through defenders.