Patriots Rumors: Justin Forsett A Fit In New England?
The Baltimore Ravens and running back Justin Forsett have mutually agreed to part ways, multiple media outlets are reporting. Soon to be a free agent, could Forsett find a role in the New England Patriots backfield?
Forsett, 30, saw his workload drop from 14 carries in Week 2 to zero in the Raven's Week 4 loss to the Oakland Raiders. The emergence of Terrance West and the impending addition of rookie Kenneth Dixon made Forsett's role on the team uncertain, and ultimately, he felt the best decision for him was to move on.
"I felt like my opportunity here was closing," he said. "I'm at a phase in my career where I don't want to sit; I want to play. I have a lot of football left in me."
While his production fell off during an injury-plagued 2015 campaign, Forsett was a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 when he rushed for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. Playing in mostly a reserve role for most of his early years in the league, Forsett figures to still have plenty of miles left on his legs, and could play a major role for a team this season.
He would not start for the Patriots given LeGarrette Blount's current role and the rehabbing Dion Lewis waiting in the wings, but Bill Belichick could find a role for someone of Forsett's skill set. Before the start of the season, New England signed former Tennesse Titans back Bishop Sankey to their practice squad -- a sign that Belichick and the Patriots were unsure what they would get out of their running back core. Blount led the league in rushing through three weeks, but his ability to hold up throughout the season is a question mark given the serious hip injury he suffered at the end of the 2015 season.
Adding Forsett would add needed depth at the running back position and would be a classic Belichick low-risk, high reward signing.
Follow @Beantown_Beat
