Tennessee Titans: Potential Super (Bowl) Free Agents

Rex Burkhead, RB, New England Patriots

One of the main goals for the front office should be to get more speed and athleticism on the offensive side of the ball. Being able to lure in Rex Burkhead would definitely accomplish that feat. Burkhead was a free agent last year after spending his first five seasons in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals. Like Sproles, Burkhead is a little bit of an under-sized back (listed at 5’10”), but he can get some tough yards on the ground as well as bail out his quarterback with some great hands coming out of the backfield.

Now, Burkhead’s statistics aren’t the most appealing. He only has 151 rushing attempts for 640 yards and 64 catches for 542 yards over his career, but I personally see that as a positive. Despite being in the NFL for six years, he has minimal wear and tear on his body compared to other backs at the same stage in their careers. The limited amount of touches isn’t necessarily a lack of talent on his end. Most people forget that Burkhead was drafted into a loaded position in Cincinnati, having to fight off players like Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill for snaps.

This year with New England was no different, as he shared the backfield with Dion Lewis, Mike Gillislee, and James White. What you have to like about Burkhead was that he knew what he was coming into with the Patriots backfield, but still chose them because he knew he would go to a team that would best utilize his talents, as well as compete for a championship. Burkhead could have easily went to another team and get a good portion of the carries, but he chose winning instead. That’s the same unselfish attitude Jon Robinson preaches this time of year as he looks to add to his roster. This is a pairing that is lining up with the stars almost perfectly.