James White knows that Bill Belichick typically utilizes multiple players in his backfield, but the former New England Patriots running back doesn’t think his old team will pursue Dalvin Cook.
Last week, Cook retweeted a video of former NFL executive Michael Lombardi calling the running back “a good fit” for the Patriots on The Pat McAfee Show. New England reportedly made an offer to DeAndre Hopkins, and Cook said it’d be “epic” if he joined the same team as the free-agent wide receiver.
However, White doesn’t see the Patriots signing Cook. He anticipates Belichick giving Rhamondre Stevenson a featured role in his third season.
“It’s not so often as a Patriots running back that you’re out there that many snaps,” White told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “Bill loves that guy, so he just has to capitalize on the opportunity.”
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (talking RBs with James White; could Dalvin Cook be a fit in NE?; early optimism for offense in spring practices; Jack Jones; OT in the spotlight; Mac Jones; Bill Belichick chats with 33rd Team etc.). https://t.co/VW4dcmxNOL
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 25, 2023
Stevenson turned 279 touches into 1,461 yards and six touchdowns last season. He played a majority of the offense’s snaps in 14 of 17 games.
White sees offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien implementing a “sub back.” He identified Ty Montgomery as a leading candidate to receive some reps behind Stevenson.
New England may be the least likely AFC East destination for Cook. Early odds painted the other three teams as betting favorites to sign the four-time Pro Bowler.