After a career year in 2017, it appears that running back Dion Lewis will likely be leaving the New England Patriots in free agency. 

According to NBC Sports Boston's Mike Giardi, the idea that Lewis will return to the Pats for the 2018 season appears to be a "longshot."

Giardi, who cited multiple sources in his tweet, claimed that Lewis is not pleased with his usage in New England.

The Pats are a team that has historically has used a revolving door of backs at the position, under Bill Belichick.

Though Lewis set career highs in games played (16), carries (180), yards (896), first downs (48) and rushing touchdowns (6), while also catching 32 passes for 214 yards and three receiving scores, he was used sparingly early in the season.

Most people believed it was a decision made more out of an effort to keep the dynamic speedster healthy throughout the season, rather than a one based on skill level and effectiveness.

Lewis has missed significant time due to injuries throughout his career, including missing chunks of both his first two years in New England, after tearing his ACL in the middle of year one with the Pats.

While his injury history will likely cause most teams to hesitate a bit, the 27-year-old's dominant play when on the field has opened up plenty of options for him.

According to a CBS Sports article, both the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts are among nine teams currently interested in Lewis.

With the running back reportedly looking for around $6.5 million a year on a new deal, Giardi's sources are likely right that the Pats will have a new lead back in their backfield next season.

Like Lewis, that guy will probably be another diamond in the rough as well.

 

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