Lamar Miller (5’10”, 225 lbs) has reached an agreement to join the New England Patriots this afternoon. This news comes after the Patriots lost a league leading eight players due to opt-outs.
Patriots opt-outs:
- RB Brandon Bolden
- OT Marcus Cannon
- S Patrick Chung
- ILB Dont’a Hightower
- TE Matt LaCosse
- WR Marqise Lee
- OL Najee Toran
- FB Danny VItale
While New England would much rather have key players like Hightower and Cannon on the field, the moves did clear up a hefty amount of cap room. The Patriots first target was former Dolphin and Texan, Lamar Miller. The 29-year-old back tore his ACL last preseason and missed all of 2019. He is now fully recovered and ready to step in for Sony Michel (PUP). Miller can handle a large workload, making Michel’s recent foot surgery less alarming for the team. Lamar Miller was a Pro Bowler in 2018 after a solid season. He had 210 rushes for 973 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Miller also caught 25 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown.
Damien Harris looks to be the most affected by this decision, as Miller is a legitimate workhorse. Harris looked primed for a consistent workload, spelling Michel in the run game. White will be almost completely unaffected by the addition of Lamar Miller. This will be the first of many moves as teams draw closer to roster cuts. People tend to get too excited or disappointed by their teams rosters at this point. They often forget that cap casualties among other late additions can become quite valuable to other teams.
At this point in his career, Miller will take what the defense gives him. He is going to get the job done and average at least four yards per carry. Like Michel, he will occasionally break off a great run to give the offense a boost. I like the signing to solidify our running game. I would like to see what Damien Harris can do, but Miller is a proven running back to bolster the position.
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