The New England Patriots might need a running back if they lose Dion Lewis or Rex Burkhead to free agency next month. If Burkhead and Lewis leave, the Patriots will have just two rushers on their roster -- James White and Mike Gillislee. Lewis is expected to leave as he can get more money on the market than the Patriots could offer, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Howe reported that the Patriots can keep Lewis if they offer him a three-year deal with a value of between $15 million to $18 million, with guaranteed money of $10 million.

Lewis served as a dual-threat rusher in his three seasons with New England. Last season, he ran for a career-high 896 yards and six touchdowns and caught 32 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns. He also showed his versatility by scoring a touchdown on one kick return, increasing his total to 10 touchdowns last season.

Patriots could take a look at Martin

Zach Cox of NESN.com floated the possibility that the Patriots could pursue running back Doug Martin, who was recently released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after an underwhelming campaign last season. Martin missed the first four games last season due to suspension and was suspended one game for violation of team rules. A two-time Pro Bowler, Martin failed to crack the 450-yard rushing mark in each of the last two seasons where he played in just 19 of the Buccaneers’ 32 games.

The Buccaneers decided to cut Martin rather than pay him $6.75 million next season. The Patriots could provide Martin with a fresh start as they are known to give underperforming veterans a chance to revive their careers. In his rookie year in 2012, Martin made an immediate impact as he ran for 1,454 rushing yards and tallied 472 receiving yards for 11 total touchdowns.

However, he performed poorly in the next two seasons before tallying 1,402 rushing yards, 271 receiving yards and seven total touchdowns in 2015.

Patriots might keep Burkhead

The 27-year-old Burkhead, for his part, showed his versatility in his first season with the Patriots. Last season, he carried the ball 64 times for 264 yards and five touchdowns.

Burkhead also tallied 30 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was sidelined for seven games, including the playoffs, due to rib and knee injuries. Burkhead, who signed a one-year deal worth $3.15 million last season with the Patriots, could venture into free agency if New England will not sign him to a fresh deal. According to Cox, the Patriots might keep Burkhead, especially with Gillislee’s health status still in question. With Burkhead’s history of injury last season, the Patriots could sign him to an affordable deal while providing additional depth to their running back corps for next season.