ESPN tabs Rex Burkhead as top value signing

Photo by Sam Greene

The Patriots' signing of Rex Burkhead may not have looked sexy on paper, but many league insiders believe it to be one of the best under-the-radar moves of the off-season.

ESPN senior reporter Mike Sando agrees, saying the following:

The Patriots landed a versatile young back who projects as an ideal system fit and should contribute on special teams. They got him at a fraction of the price Baltimore paid for the more accomplished but injury-prone Danny Woodhead, who has missed 27 games over the past three seasons. One agent without ties to any of the running backs in the market this offseason listed the Burkhead signing as the steal of free agency, suggesting the Patriots could get 400 yards rushing and 60 receptions from him in their offense.

Burkhead signed a one-year, $3.15 million deal with the Patriots last month. Some believe he can be New England's primary running back.

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