The Patriots Have Too Many Running Backs.

Going into the 2020 offseason the Patriots have $43 million in cap space which sounds like a lot until you factor in the team has big names to sign. The Patriots are gonna need to free up some money and The Patriots have too many backs in the stable.

Sony Michel first round draft pick is coming off two back to back 900 yard seasons and is safe. Michel is not working out in the Passing game as hoped but has become a do everything back for the Pats.

James White is another do everything player for the Patriots. The superbowl hero vs Atlanta, White runs and catches, He was Brady's number two pass catcher in 2019 and is to Pats nation what Kevin Faulk once was. White is safe. As he is Brady's security blanket.

Brandon  Bolden  was brought back in 2019 to help with the special teams. Bolden can block, catch, return, and run. He is a jackknife. He's not elite in any area but as a package he is valuable.

Rex Burkhead worked out with the Punt returning unit but that duty has been locked up. Burkhead is a shifty back who can be a power back at times. He has great hands and can line up in the slot. The problem with Burkhead is he cannot stay healthy which makes him a liability.

Damien Harris was a 3rd round pick who was red shirted his rookie year. Harris can catch but it is unknown how well he will produce in the NFL as a pass catcher. He is a north and south runner who can be used as a work horse power back to give Michel breathers. A Harris-Michel 1,2 punch could be a nasty running game. Harris has the potential to make both Bolden and Burkhead expendable but that depends on how much time he spend with the special teams and receivers coach.

James Devlin is coming off a neck injury and nobody knows if he'll be at full strength in 2020. The Patriots running game suffered all year due to his loss.

Johnson took a minute to develop but started looking good before he got injured and Could turn it into a competition for the fullback position.

Roberts came in and was a valuable fullback going down the stretch. No reason to think the Patriots won't find a way to use him in packages if they resign him. His versatile make him a dangerous weapon and he showed he can also be used in the passing game. 

The Patriots have too many horses and someone has to go. Don't be surprised to see Burkhead, Bolden, and Johnson released with the plans of bringing some of them back for less in 2020. This is a problem many teams would love to have and just one more issue on Belichick's plate.