There doesn't seem to be a whole lot left on the Patriots offseason to-do list.
They would probably like to get back into the first and second rounds of this year's draft, which means something could be coming down the pike with either Malcolm Butler and Jimmy Garoppolo.
They might like to add to their depth at defensive end behind Rob Ninkovich, Trey Flowers and Kony Ealy.
PATRIOTS REPORT: MARCH 13
- Curran: It's surprising that a market for Hightower hasn't materialized
- Report: Jets gave Hightower birthday cupcakes during his visit
- Stephon Gilmore hopes Malcolm Butler returns to the Pats
- Ealy thinks playing with Brady will help him learn how to sack QBs better
- Now there's another Gisele in the Patriots family
Their linebacker situation could use some sprucing should Dont'a Hightower end up with the Titans or Jets.
And running back. They could use a running back. As of this moment, LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent. Though he'd like to return to New England, there's some question as to where his asking price will be after a career year, and if the Patriots will be willing to pay it.
New England Patriots
Enter...Rex Burkhead? According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots are hosting the former Bengals running back on a free-agent visit Monday.
At about 215 pounds Burkhead doesn't have the same kind of physical presence as Blount (250 pounds) did, but he's a hard-charging runner with some scheme versatility.
He rushed 74 times for 344 yards (4.6 yards per attempt) last season and averaged 3.0 yards after contact. By comparison, Blount averaged 2.5 yards per carry after contact.
Burkhead is also a capable receiver who caught 17 passes for 145 yards last season.
A sixth-round pick out of Nebraska in 2013, Burkhead became a regular in the Cincinnati offense for the first time last season. Through the first three years of his career he had 13 total rushes for 31 yards and seven catches on 10 targets. He was, however, used extensively on special teams, which would surely bump up his value in the eyes of the Patriots.
Patriots running back and core special teamer Brandon Bolden, like Blount, is also a free agent at the moment.