The Patriots are adding to their backfield depth by signing former Jets and Jaguars running back James Robinson to a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
One of New England’s best internal free agents is fourth-year running back Damien Harris, and the move signals the Patriots could look to Robinson as a top replacement for Rhamondre Stevenson. The Pats typically charge for depth at the position, with Robinson playing an early role while adding more to the passing game than you’d expect for a 220-pound back.
Last season, Robinson had 425 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 110 carries split between Jacksonville and New York. Now retired from three seasons of a 2020 1,000-yard campaign with the Jags, Robinson was traded to the Jets in late October and released in free agency this offseason.
Although Robinson was not as productive in the 2022 season, he was coming off a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 16 of the 2021 season. Theoretically, he should be closer to his pre tear. -Achilles this season.
Robinson has good feel to find inside running lanes, lateral quickness to jump tackles to cross the line of scrimmage and contact balance to get through defenders.