Bilal Powell re-signs with Jets, Benny Cunningham to visit Patriots
Another Patriots running back target is off the board. Bilal Powell has re-signed with the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Jets are now set in their backfield with Powell and Matt Forte, who signed with New York yesterday.
Jets are re-signing RB Bilal Powell, per source.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2016
A Powell-Matt Forte tandem. Heard last night that Powell was getting offers of $4M per. https://t.co/m7dP4LQhCF— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 10, 2016
Staying on the subject of running backs, former Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham will visit the Patriots today.
As @JasonLaCanfora reported, Patriots are hosting restricted FA running back Benny Cunningham (Rams) on a visit today.— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 10, 2016
Here are some statistics on Cunningham and his free agent status, per Mike Reiss.
RB Benny Cunningham (5-10, 217), out of Middle Tennessee State. 25 years old. 71 catches over last 2 seasons. Career rushing 150-647-4 (4.3)— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 10, 2016
RB Benny Cunningham was tendered at the low level by Rams. If signed to an offer sheet, and Rams don't match, there is no compensation.— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 10, 2016
Restricted free-agent RB Benny Cunningham, who is visiting Patriots today, also has 73 career kickoff returns for 1,976 yards (27.1 average)— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 10, 2016
The guess here is that if Cunningham were to be signed, he'd be used as a situational running back who would sometimes return kicks. The Patriots value running backs who can catch passes, and Cunningham can certainly do that.
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