The New England Patriots may have won this year's Super Bowl, but that doesn't mean they get to slack off during the offseason. The Pats must decide what to do with several of the players set to become unrestricted free agents. One such player is running back Shane Vereen.
Vereen was a very cost-effective option in 2014, counting just $1.1 million against the salary cap. However, he's looking for a big pay day once free agency begins next month. Will he get it from the Patriots?
"Running back Shane Vereen will likely be heading into free agency," Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald wrote. "Vereen is hopeful to land a contract worth at least $5 million per season, according to a source.
"Now, that's obviously a sign of a player who wants to start high with his negotiations with the realization that the price will drop throughout the back-and-forth with his suitors, but the desire to get paid means he'll almost certainly hit the open market March 10 for the beginning of free agency.
"Vereen and the Patriots exchanged proposals last summer, according to the source, but they weren't close enough to strike a deal. It's unclear how much - if any - progress they have made this week in Indianapolis."
Only nine running backs in the entire NFL made at least $5 million last year, making the figure a bit unrealistic for Vereen's camp. The four-year veteran has proven to be an excellent pass-catching back, but not enough to make that type of top-tier money.
Vereen carried the ball 96 times for 391 yards (4.1 average) and two touchdowns while catching 52 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns last year. He is likely best suited in a complimentary role and not as a team's leading back.
New England must figure out what it's going to do with cornerback Darrelle Revis before it can turn its attention to the rest of free agency. Should Vereen hit the open market, running back-needy teams, such as the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts, could be interested in his services.
