The New England Patriots made a rather curious signing Friday when they announced that running back Tyler Gaffney was brought back to the club. Gaffney was waived on Monday and cleared waivers only to be re-signed by the franchise. Gaffney has ended up on injured reserve for the past two seasons and has rarely seen the field. He may have a huge opportunity if the Patriots do not draft a running back, as he could come in a put up some solid production.
The Patriots also added former Washington Redskins defensive end Frank Kearse, who is only 27, and Chris Long to help bolster their pass rush and provide some depth on the defensive side of the ball. Long was, surprisingly, released by the Los Angeles Rams to make room for younger talent.
New England also signed wide receiver Nate Washington from the Houston Texans, which will not only add some depth to this wide receiving corps, but also provide solid veteran production. Washington suffered several lingering injuries that kept him off of the field for quite some time. However, he should bounce back with this pass-heavy Patriots offense.
The Patriots also acquired free agent running back Donald Brown, even though perennial Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent.
The team signed Shea McClellin from the Chicago Bears to help the Patriots stop the run and generate some pressure. McClellin is just one of the many defensive players that the Patriots picked up during this chaotic free agent period.
The only other linebacker that the Patriots picked up was Ramon Humber from the New Orleans Saints, as he was one of the few bright spots in what was otherwise a struggling defensive unit. Humber is just a depth addition, as the Patriots will be missing a first round pick during the 2016 NFL Draft thanks to their involvement in the Deflategate scandal. New England does have two second round picks and could be looking to take the best player available.
They do need help along the offensive line, and Cody Whitehair or Joshua Garnett could be available for them with one of their second round picks. Running back and wide receiver are also positions of concern, but the Patriots could find solid production from a playmaker such as running backs Derrick Henry or Devontae Booker. Even wide receivers such as Braxton Miller or Michael Thomas could present an impressive upgrade to this offense. Bringing back Gaffney was simply about bolstering the depth of this running game.
