Four Trade Partners for The Patriots to ship Rex Burkhead to.

The Patriots have too many backs and are in need of cap space and have other needs the team must address. Bolden is safe as he doubles a special team's player. White is too valuable as he can do it all. Michel is a former first round pick and is expected to be a part of the future for some time to come. The Patriots just spent a 3rd round pick on Harris, they're not going to trade him away so quickly. Burkhead is 29 years old and slated with a cap hit of $3.9 million. The team could save $2.9 million by trading him. Burkhead could be moved for a sixth round pick. There are several teams who could use a running back and a few likely trade partners.

Matt Harmon wrote an article, the top 10 worst running back depth charts. After scanning his list, I have found four possible trade partners for the Patriots concerning Rex Burkhead between now and the draft.

1) The Buccaneers, for they might be the best fit. The team needs a receiving back and Burkhead can deliver. The bonus for them is Brady's familiarity with Burkhead. 

"Regardless of just how much you think Brady has left, who lines up alongside him in the backfield will matter...Now, if the team adds someone later on who might just fill that receiving role, a committee will begin to take shape." Said Matt Harmon of Yahoo Sports.

2) The Redskins are another possible option. The Redskins offense was dismal in 2019.  Burkhead would be a reliable check down to a developing quarterback. Burkhead's ability to run as well as catch, would open up the Redskins' playbook.

Matt Harmon  wrote "Peterson is 35 years old, the last grains of sand falling from his NFL hourglass. Meanwhile, Guice has been a major injury risk to this point in his pro career. The team could be looking at a constantly churning 2020 rotation of this strange cast of characters, or they can add something more steady."

3) "Pittsburgh can’t find themselves back in a situation where they’re ever, trotting out Jaylen Samuels as anything more than a bit player. Even 2019 rookie Benny Snell looked like just a guy in relief." Said Harmon when talking about having to relieve Conner.

James Conner cannot stay healthy. The Steelers don't have much behind him and are in a tough division.  Everyone knows Mike Tomlin plans for the Patriots each year. What better than to sign a player familiar with their playbook, their schemes, and can contribute to the Steelers football team?

4) The Chargers offense should be changing with Philip Rivers is gone. The team is expecting to draft a quarterback to sit behind underrated Journeyman Tyrod Taylor. The Chargers don't need a starting running back and like with the Redskins, Burkhead can be a security Blanket for a young Rookie. Burkhead would become the chargers' third down and receiving back instantly. 

Harmon wrote "the Chargers will have to address the backfield at some point in the NFL draft. Even if you think Ekeler is fine to push 250 touches (224 last year) going forward, Justin Jackson is the only other back on the roster. Jackson looks like he can play but more competition is required."

It is clear the Chargers are in need, and would most likely spend a day three pick on a running back in the draft. Why not float the possibility of Burkhead out there.

While there are other teams in need, The Chargers, Redskins, Steelers, and Buccaneers are all teams in need that won't have much impact on the Patriots playoff wimdow. What makes Burkhead valuable is his experience. Unlike with rookies, anyone who trades for Burkhead won't have to worry about developing him. The Patriots should cast him out like a fly on a hook and see if anyone bites the bait. It's unclear what exactly teams will pay for a 29 year old running back but a day three pick is clearly worthy giving up, and someone should be hungry enough to make the trade.