James White
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Former New England Patriots running back James White.
The New England Patriots are set to have a productive offseason. They have roster holes that need to be filled, and former Patriots legend and Super Bowl champion James White has his wish list. He spoke on the Money Down Podcast earlier this week and indicated he would love to see the team get a tight end.
The Patriots were able to get production from the tight end position this season. Hunter Henry recorded 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games. Austin Hooper recorded 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns over the course of 16 games. The veterans were still able to be productive in the tight end room, and proved to be a valuable piece of the offense for the Patriots.
White States His Case For New England Patriots
However, age is a concern with this position group. Henry is 34 years old. Hooper is 31 years old. With that veteran experience comes the age concern. White spoke about the need for the Patriots to acquire a more dynamic weapon at the position to further elevate the offense.
“Now, for me for the Pats, I’d love to see them get a guy like Kyle Pitts, or even David Njoku getting another tight end. Got Hunter Henry, he’s getting up there. Austin Hooper, he played solid for us… Getting a young tight end. You know, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves to use 12 personnel, puts a defense in a bind. Whether you want to play nickel, whether you want to play base defense, spread them out, run the ball, do a lot of different things. “
Pitts would be an intriguing weapon. He played in 17 games last season, recording 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns for the Atlanta Falcons. He had six games of at least 50 yards receiving. His best game of the season came in a Week 15 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recorded 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns in what was a breakout contest for him.
Njoku had 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns. His best game of the season came in week five against the Minnesota Vikings. He caught nine passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. Although he was not as productive as Pitts, he still proved to be a productive piece for the Browns‘ offense.
Age Factor Would be Important
The age factor is important here as well. Pitts is 25 years old. Njoku is a bit older at 29 years old. That being said, both tight ends are still younger than the current ones on the roster. Pitts in particular, has been brought up in hypothetical moves throughout the course of this offseason.
The Patriots could’ve undoubtedly used a younger tight end. The core of the Patriots is young, with quarterback Drake Maye only 23 years old and receivers like Kyle Williams are in their second season. Getting a guy like Pitts or Njoku would allow the Patriots to build around their offense, while adding a playmaker in the process.
Acquiring either of these tight ends would not necessarily be a move that they need to make. However, it would allow them to be better-prepared for the future, with the Patriots having a long window to contend for Super Bowl titles. Getting another playmaker on the roster could help them contend not only now but in the future.