The New England Patriots are in decent shape entering free agency, as there seems to be mutual interest between the organization and all of its internal free agents.
It’s just not that easy…
If the club intends on truly getting over the hump, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding some of those players — though it seems the decision has already been made on D'Ernest Johnson...
Who will be his replacement? What will the running back room look like moving forward? Is it worth making an offer?
Let's take a look!
Bio:
D'Ernest Johnson
Position: RB
Height: 5’ 11"
Weight: 205lbs
Age: 29 (Feb. 27, 1996*)
2025: 11 G, 13 RUSH, 25 RUSH YDS*
The Patriots should bring back D'Ernest Johnson because:
It's the nice thing to do...
I honestly can't come up with a good reason to bring back an aging running back who provided nothing more than insurance during his relatively brief time with the organization, though there is a possibility that his hard work is rewarded with some paychecks in the early summer as bottom-of-the-roster filler.
The Patriots should not bring back D'Ernest Johnson because:
Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are the perfect building blocks to that position group, and anyone brought in behind them should be able to raise its floor and ceiling.
Elijah Mitchell, Terrell Jennings and Lan Larison are all slated to return to the fold next season, though they're all working their way back from season-ending injuries. If you're going to add to that current crop, it should be in the form of a proven veteran who can slot in directly behind that top duo or a high-upside rookie who could challenge for that same spot -- not someone who has played for three teams over the last two seasons and hasn't scored a touchdown since the last presidency.
Prediction:
D'Ernest Johnson signs with someone, but doesn't make it through training camp.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf talked about potentially adding to the running back group during his media availability at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, so don't be surprised if they take another stab at drafting someone who can contribute in the coming months.
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