The New England Patriots will have a tough offseason ahead as they stand to lose 15 players to free agency, including top rusher, Dion Lewis. Last season, Lewis played all 16 games, rushing for 896 yards and six touchdowns. Lewis also showed his versatility as he caught 32 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns and returned one kick for a score. In an interview with ESPN’s “The Adam Schefter Podcast," Lewis said he loves his tenure with the Patriots, but he also wants to assure his family’s future by getting a contract worthy of his performance.
Lewis said he loves New England as it is close to his family in New York, but he also considers this a business and he wants to make the most of his opportunity. “That’s my biggest thing: make sure that I’m valued the way I value myself,” said Lewis, who earned just $1.2 million last season.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reported that Lewis might ask for $17 million a year in salary, while the Patriots might keep him by offering a three-year contract with a value between $15 million and $18 million. However, the Patriots are in a bind due to their salary cap limitations and might not be able to keep Lewis. If the Patriots do not sign Lewis before March 14, he will be one of the top running backs in the free agent pool.
The Patriots recently brought back running back Brandon Bolden via a one-year deal worth $880,000. With Bolden’s signing, the Patriots currently have three running backs, including James White and Mike Gillislee.
Lewis says Brady can play as long as he wants
In the same interview, Lewis spoke about quarterback Tom Brady’s desire to play until he’s 45 years old.
Lewis believes that Brady can perform at a high level until he reaches that age. “There hasn’t been any drop-off in his game in the three years that I’ve played with him,” said Lewis, adding that Brady’s commitment to the game has put him in top shape. The 40-year-old Brady had another outstanding year last season, en route to his third MVP award.
According to Lewis, he has learned a lot from Brady’s fitness regimen, especially when it comes to eating healthy.
Jets interested in cornerback Malcolm Butler
Cornerback Malcolm Butler is expected to leave the Patriots after he was benched by coach Bill Belichick in Super Bowl LII. Once he hits the free agent market on March 14, teams are expected to pursue the 27-year-old cornerback, who earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 and second-team All-Pro honors in 2016. The New York Jets are expected to be one of Butler’s suitors, according to Calvin Watkins of Newsday. The Jets selected safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye in last season’s draft, but the impending departure of Morris Claiborne to free agency will leave a void in the team’s secondary.
