Dion Lewis was the most valuable running back on the New England Patriots’ roster during the 2017 season, and it sounds as though they may need to find a way to replace him over the next several months.
Michael Giardi of NBC Sports Boston reports that Lewis is a “long shot” to re-sign with the Patriots this offseason. Part of the reason for that, according to Giardi’s sources, is that Lewis was disappointed with his role throughout the season and in the Super Bowl.
Multiple sources think it's a longshot that Dion Lewis remains a Patriot. Expected contractual demands are a problem and those sources say Lewis remains disappointed by his usage both early in the season and again in the Super Bowl.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 7, 2018
It’s hard to argue against anything the Patriots did on offense in the Super Bowl, as Tom Brady threw for over 500 yards and they put up 33 points. Still, Lewis received only nine carries and rushed for 39 yards. He has been great in the passing game for New England, but he was not targeted in Super Bowl LII.
Lewis is just 27, but he has undergone two knee surgeries since 2015. That is part of the reason the Pats have been hesitant to give him a workhorse role, but mostly that just isn’t what they do on offense. If Lewis thinks he could be a bigger part of the game plan elsewhere, we know at least two teams are already interested in signing him.
