Veteran running back James White signed a new contract with the New England Patriots for two years worth $2.5 million. White has spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Patriots.
The #Patriots re-signed veteran RB James White to a two-year, $2.5 million deal that includes $500,000 guaranteed.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2022
James White, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract
James White has been a trusted running back throughout his career for Bill Bellicheck and the Patriots offense. White was part of three separate Patriots teams that won the Super Bowl, making him a veteran player with invaluable experience. Last season was his worst year for the team though.
White appeared in just three games for the Patriots due to a hip injury. White is still recovering from his hip injury, which did require surgery. In his three games last season, White did manage to rush 10 times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Added to this is his 12 catches on 14 targets. Durability should not be a concern though. White played in at least 14 games every season from 2015 to 2020. Last season would seem to be an outlier for White’s ability to contribute and stay on the field.
Playing on passing downs is White’s specialty. For most of his career, he was trusted in these situations for the Patriots offense. Outside of last season and his rookie year, White never caught under 40 passes for the Patriots. White’s productivity in the passing game peaked in 2018. White was targeted a whopping 123 times in the passing game during that season. White turned this into 87 catches for 751 yards and seven touchdowns.
Not counting White’s shortened seasons, he averages 60 receptions a season to go with 50 rushing attempts. he was an integral part of several Super Bowl-winning teams in New England. This was evidenced by his performance in the Patriots come-from-behind win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. In this game, White accounted for three touchdowns and 139 all-purpose yards. It was White’s two-yard rush in overtime that ultimately ended the game and completed the Patriots comeback.
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