James White returning to Patriots on multi-year deal
The Patriots are bringing back of their most tenured and productive players on the offensive side of the ball. As first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team is signing running back James White to a two-year, $2.5 million dollar deal that includes $500,000 in guaranteed money.
White has been a focal point of the Patriots offense since stepping into a regular role in 2016. He finished first or second on the team in receptions in four of five years between 2016 and 2020, and is one of only two backs in the NFL in that span with at least 300 receptions, 2,500-plus receiving yards, and 20-plus receiving touchdowns along with Alvin Kamara.
Last year White only played in three games before a hip injury ended his season. According to CLNS Media’s Evan Lazar, White’s recovery “is going well” and he expected to be back to 100 percent for the 2022 season.
By bringing back White, the Patriots essentially add an offensive weapon Mac Jones didn’t have last year. If White were to have left, the team would have needed to go elsewhere to find a pass-catching back with Brandon Bolden also a free agent. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders also showed interest in White.
With White back in the fold, the Patriots have four running backs under contract. He joins Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and J.C. Taylor. Devine Ozigbo is signed to a futures deal that will become official on Wednesday.
Four of the Patriots’ six captains from the 2021 team were set to be free agents, and now three of those four have returned in White, Devin McCourty, and Matthew Slater. Dont’a Hightower remains the lone unsigned player of that group.
NFL Free Agent Tracker: Tuesday, March 15
Patriots trading Shaq Mason to Bucs
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Shaq Mason (69) runs off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are trading guard Shaq Mason to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Phil Perry, they’re getting a fifth-round pick in return.
The move clears about $7 million in cap space for the Patriots, so we’ll see if this is a precursor to a free-agent signing.
Patriots bringing back James White
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 19: Running back James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against cornerback Michael Carter II #30 the New York Jets in the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Patriots are bringing back RB James White, according to Tom Pelissero. His new deal is for two years and worth up to $2.5 million with $500,000 guaranteed.
White plays a crucial role in the Patriots’ offense as the team’s pass-catching back, and is also a multi-time captain. However, he played just three games last year before suffering a season-ending hip injury in September.
UPDATE: According to Josina Anderson, the max value of White’s deal with the Patriots is actually $7 million, if he meets certain undisclose dincentives.
Former Patriots linebacker staying in Miami
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 05: Elandon Roberts #52 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a defensive play against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Former Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts is re-signing with the Dolphins on a one-year, $3.25 million contract per Adam Schefter. Roberts originally signed with Miami in the 2020 offseason after his rookie deal expired in New England. At the time, he was playing for former Patriots linebacker coach Brian Flores, who was let go by Miami earlier this offseason and replaced by an offensive-minded coach in Mike McDaniel.
Bills add pass-catching back
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 29: J.D. McKissic #41 of the Washington Football Team carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 29, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
According to Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills are adding another weapon for Josh Allen in pass-catching running back J.D. McKissic. McKissic, who comes over from Washington, is expected to sign a two-year, $7 million deal.
Top free agent safety heading to Baltimore
Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after intercepting a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Marcus Williams, the top safety on the market in free agency, has his new team. According to Jeremy Fowler, the 25-year-old has inked a five-year, $70 million deal with the Ravens. Williams had 74 tackles and eight pass breakups in 16 games for the Saints last year.
Randy Gregory changes course
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is hit by Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Despite reports that he was returning to the Cowboys, Randy Gregory has apparently had a change of heart. According to Mike Garafolo, Gregory now has agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos. Now, another top-tier edge defender is heading to the AFC West. Gregory had six sacks in 12 games for Dallas last year.
Andrew Whitworth announces his retirement
Feb 16, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during the Super Bowl LVI championship rally at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Via his Instagram, 40-year-old tackle Andrew Whitworth announced he’s retiring from the NFL. Whitworth, who won his first career Super Bowl with the Rams in February and was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, played 16 NFL seasons between the Cincinnati and Los Angeles.
Dolphins adding to offensive line
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Connor Williams #52 of the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
According to multiple report, the Dolphins have inked a deal with former Cowboys guard Connor Williams. Per Jeff Howe, Williams’ new contract is for two years and worth up to $14 million with $7.5 million guaranteed. The 24-year-old started 51 games in four season for Dallas.
Randy Gregory cashes in with Cowboys
Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
According to Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are locking up dynamic pass-rusher Randy Gregory with a five-year deal for $70 million. The deal includes $28 million guaranteed.
Patriots trade Winovich to Browns
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 28: Chase Winovich #50 of the New England Patriots leaves the field after the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 28, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Bills won 38-9. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
We have a Patriots trade! They are sending linebacker Chase Winovich to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Mack Wilson, as reported by Tom Pelissero. More details coming…
D.J. Chark to sign with Lions
D.J. Chark #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a reception for a touchdown during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at TIAA Bank Field on September 26, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
According to Adam Schefter, former Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Chark can make up to $12 million. Another free-agent receiver comes off the board.
Patriots retain Nick Folk
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 18: Nick Folk #6 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Patriots are keeping veteran kicker Nick Folk in the fold for another year – or two. According to Tom Pelissero, it’s a two-year extension worth $5 million, including $2.19 million guaranteed. Folk can make up to $5.6M through incentives. The move buys the Patriots more time to develop young kicker Quinn Nordin, or otherwise keep looking for their kicker of the future.
Niners sign former Chiefs CB
Jan 12, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) faces Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) on the line of scrimmage during the AFC Divisional Round playoff football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million, including $26.7 million guaranteed. Adam Schefter had the details. Any time the Chiefs’ roster is weakened is good news for the rest of the AFC.
Frank Clark restructures with Chiefs
Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs prepares to sack Brian Hoyer #2 of the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium on October 05, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Defensive end Frank Clark has reworked his contract to stay with Kansas City and help the team free up cap space. According to Ian Rapoport, Clark’s new deal is for two years and a base value of $29 million, with a chance to make up to $36M.
Chiefs sign Justin Reid
Nelson Agholor #15 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball as Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans defends during the first half at NRG Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
As reported by Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs are signing safety Justin Reid. Additionally, Rapoport says this means Tyrann Mathieu will be signing elsewhere.
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