What It Means:

The Patriots' signings of Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee, while extending James White through 2020, make it seem like they're unsure of Lewis' long-term value. Lewis will only cost $1.3 million this year and is an electric playmaker whenever he is healthy, but it is not out of the question New England moves on.

Among the 69 running backs last year to top 50 carries, Lewis's 0.10 Rushing Net Expected Points per attempt was 10th-most. Our models project him as just the third-best fantasy option for the Patriots' backfield this year, however.