PHillisFan
Master
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I am happy to see Rex getting increased reps. It's highly possible he gets far more reps than James White in the game vs Oakland.
Rex Burkhead
- Thread starter Don Wassall
- Start date
Thrashen
Hall of Famer
Burkhead's injury against the Kneelers looked really bad, especially the way it was handled. It turns out he only sprained/bruised his knee and should return for the playoffs. It'll help his chances if the Pats can secure the first round bye...
"Rex Burkhead, at the moment, seems to have dodged a bullet. It was reported after the Patriots' 27-24 win over the Steelers on Sunday evening that the running back did not suffer a torn ACL after leaving the Week 15 contest due to injury. Now, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is shedding a little bit more light as to what exactly is happening to Burkhead as he reports that the team believes the back suffered a sprained knee."
"Rex Burkhead, at the moment, seems to have dodged a bullet. It was reported after the Patriots' 27-24 win over the Steelers on Sunday evening that the running back did not suffer a torn ACL after leaving the Week 15 contest due to injury. Now, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network is shedding a little bit more light as to what exactly is happening to Burkhead as he reports that the team believes the back suffered a sprained knee."
MrPoon
Mentor
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Awesome! Heard he turned down a better offer?
Here's the breakdown of Rex's contract. He'll be a bargain if the Patriots utilize him heavily and he's productive, which he will be if he stays healthy.
2018 NFL free agency: Details released on Rex Burkhead’s new deal with the Patriots
After losing Dion Lewis to the Titans in free agency this week, the Patriots locked up veteran running back Rex Burkhead to a three-year contract. On Thursday, the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin revealed the details of the agreement.
https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/974393587726209029
Ben Volin
✔@BenVolin
Patriots Rex Burkhead signed a 3-year, $9.75m deal with $3.75m in incentives ($1.25m each year). Got $5.5m guaranteed: $3m singing bonus, 2018 salary $1m, and $1.5m of his $1.75m salary in 2019. Has non-guaranteed base salary of $2.5m in 2020. Also $500k per-game bonus each year
The breakdown:
2018
Salary: $1,000,000 - fully guaranteed
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $312,500 ($31,250 per game - 10 games considered “likely to be earned”)
2018 Cap Figure: $2,312,500
2019
Salary: $1,750,000 - $1.5M of it guaranteed
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $500,000
2018 Cap Figure: $3,250,000
2020
Salary: $2,500,000
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $500,000
2018 Cap Figure: $4,000,000
The deal gives Burkhead — a four-down contributor in 2017 — some solid up front cash and a some future certainty. The contract is also a solid team value, ranking 23rd in per-year value at the position, and 19th among non-rookie contracts.
Burkhead joins pass-catching threat James White as the only other Patriots running back signed beyond the 2018 season.
After replacing a player in the top-51, Burkhead’s contract costs the Patriots $1,757,500 in 2018 cap space — giving the team just under $16 million in space moving forward.
https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/3/1...d-on-rex-burkheads-new-deal-with-the-patriots
2018 NFL free agency: Details released on Rex Burkhead’s new deal with the Patriots
After losing Dion Lewis to the Titans in free agency this week, the Patriots locked up veteran running back Rex Burkhead to a three-year contract. On Thursday, the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin revealed the details of the agreement.
https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/974393587726209029
Ben Volin✔@BenVolin
Patriots Rex Burkhead signed a 3-year, $9.75m deal with $3.75m in incentives ($1.25m each year). Got $5.5m guaranteed: $3m singing bonus, 2018 salary $1m, and $1.5m of his $1.75m salary in 2019. Has non-guaranteed base salary of $2.5m in 2020. Also $500k per-game bonus each year
The breakdown:
2018
Salary: $1,000,000 - fully guaranteed
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $312,500 ($31,250 per game - 10 games considered “likely to be earned”)
2018 Cap Figure: $2,312,500
2019
Salary: $1,750,000 - $1.5M of it guaranteed
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $500,000
2018 Cap Figure: $3,250,000
2020
Salary: $2,500,000
Signing bonus proration: $1,000,000
Per-game roster bonuses: $500,000
2018 Cap Figure: $4,000,000
The deal gives Burkhead — a four-down contributor in 2017 — some solid up front cash and a some future certainty. The contract is also a solid team value, ranking 23rd in per-year value at the position, and 19th among non-rookie contracts.
Burkhead joins pass-catching threat James White as the only other Patriots running back signed beyond the 2018 season.
After replacing a player in the top-51, Burkhead’s contract costs the Patriots $1,757,500 in 2018 cap space — giving the team just under $16 million in space moving forward.
https://www.patspulpit.com/2018/3/1...d-on-rex-burkheads-new-deal-with-the-patriots
Imagine how dope it would be if they could get Zenner as well and they both actually get carries. It will take a lot of luck but C Mcaf should be the number 1 in Carolina and the Patriots don't seem to care to much about race so we could have two solid running backs going after the 1000 yards holy grail.
If the Patriots don't spend an early draft pick on a running back, and if Rex can stay healthy, he could be in line for a big year, lots of carries and receptions. Even Michael Fabiano, perhaps the best known fantasy football guru and not known for jumping on the early bandwagon of White skill players, is saying that Burkhead as of now is the NE RB to own for 2018.
Freethinker
Hall of Famer
Yea, I don’t see Jeremy Hill as any serious competition. He’s terrible. Slow, unathletic and terrible hands as a pass catcher. I won’t be surprised if he gets released during the cutdown to 53.
Like you said, barring a high drafted runner, a pairing of Burkhead on early downs and White on 3rds seems the most likely.
Thrashen
Hall of Famer
Yes, I could see either Hill or Gillislee getting cut in September, as they are very similar players (bulky, broad, plodding, and a non-factor in the passing game). James White is great in the passing game, but he has a small frame and struggles mightily to run between the tackles. Burkhead, like Lewis, is a a "complete" back. It should be noted that when Burkhead was healthy last season, he received more PT than White.
With McCaffrey and Burkhead likely becoming the #1 back on their respective squads, I'm very excited for white RB's in 2018!
Can Rex Burkhead be Patriots' No. 1 running back?
RYAN HANNABLE
JULY 29, 2018 - 1:56 PM
FOXBORO -- It is a crowded Patriots running back room with no one player being that much ahead of the rest, but when it comes to a potential No. 1 back in the offense, it's hard to ignore Rex Burkhead.
After Dion Lewis departed for Tennessee in the offseason, Burkhead re-signed with the team and seems to be in a position to receive the most touches in the offense.
Despite playing in just 10 games last season, he ran for 264 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries and also caught 30 passes out of the backfield for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He was a major difference maker in the middle of the season when he had five touchdowns in a four-game stretch.
This being his second year in the system, he acknowledged that will be a big benefit.
“I think it is probably the case for a lot of people, just being in my second year with the team and in the system you’re definitely going to feel comfortable," he said after Sunday's practice. "I am never settling. There’s a long way to go. A lot of things I can clean up to reach my potential.”
Burkhead added: “It definitely helps you grow. Relationship-wise as well, with other guys on the team. Just getting to know them more, forming those bonds it gives you another thing to play for out there -- ‘I hear this guys' story, I know what he’s gone through. I want to put my body out there for him and make sacrifices for the better of the team.’”
In terms of his health, the 28-year-old feels good.
"I feel good. I do," he said. "A long way to go, but as far as body, I feel pretty good.”
Burkhead will be competing with James White, rookie Sony Michel, Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill and Brandon Bolden for playing time, but given his skill set and experience in the system, he seems primed to take the next step. But for him personally, he's not even thinking about it.
“We’ll see, whatever the coaches want," said Burkhead.
https://weei.radio.com/blogs/ryan-h...-backs-could-rex-burkhead-take-over-no-1-role
RYAN HANNABLE
JULY 29, 2018 - 1:56 PM
FOXBORO -- It is a crowded Patriots running back room with no one player being that much ahead of the rest, but when it comes to a potential No. 1 back in the offense, it's hard to ignore Rex Burkhead.
After Dion Lewis departed for Tennessee in the offseason, Burkhead re-signed with the team and seems to be in a position to receive the most touches in the offense.
Despite playing in just 10 games last season, he ran for 264 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries and also caught 30 passes out of the backfield for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He was a major difference maker in the middle of the season when he had five touchdowns in a four-game stretch.
This being his second year in the system, he acknowledged that will be a big benefit.
“I think it is probably the case for a lot of people, just being in my second year with the team and in the system you’re definitely going to feel comfortable," he said after Sunday's practice. "I am never settling. There’s a long way to go. A lot of things I can clean up to reach my potential.”
Burkhead added: “It definitely helps you grow. Relationship-wise as well, with other guys on the team. Just getting to know them more, forming those bonds it gives you another thing to play for out there -- ‘I hear this guys' story, I know what he’s gone through. I want to put my body out there for him and make sacrifices for the better of the team.’”
In terms of his health, the 28-year-old feels good.
"I feel good. I do," he said. "A long way to go, but as far as body, I feel pretty good.”
Burkhead will be competing with James White, rookie Sony Michel, Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill and Brandon Bolden for playing time, but given his skill set and experience in the system, he seems primed to take the next step. But for him personally, he's not even thinking about it.
“We’ll see, whatever the coaches want," said Burkhead.
https://weei.radio.com/blogs/ryan-h...-backs-could-rex-burkhead-take-over-no-1-role
The key for a Burkhead break out season will be remaining injury free. An NFL RB takes a lot of hits by men weighing over 230 lbs full steam to take one out. All RBs in real games experience this. It is hard to remain major injury free for any RB. Hopefully Rex can avoid the major injuries.Can Rex Burkhead be Patriots' No. 1 running back?
RYAN HANNABLE
JULY 29, 2018 - 1:56 PM
FOXBORO -- It is a crowded Patriots running back room with no one player being that much ahead of the rest, but when it comes to a potential No. 1 back in the offense, it's hard to ignore Rex Burkhead.
After Dion Lewis departed for Tennessee in the offseason, Burkhead re-signed with the team and seems to be in a position to receive the most touches in the offense.
Despite playing in just 10 games last season, he ran for 264 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries and also caught 30 passes out of the backfield for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He was a major difference maker in the middle of the season when he had five touchdowns in a four-game stretch.
This being his second year in the system, he acknowledged that will be a big benefit.
“I think it is probably the case for a lot of people, just being in my second year with the team and in the system you’re definitely going to feel comfortable," he said after Sunday's practice. "I am never settling. There’s a long way to go. A lot of things I can clean up to reach my potential.”
Burkhead added: “It definitely helps you grow. Relationship-wise as well, with other guys on the team. Just getting to know them more, forming those bonds it gives you another thing to play for out there -- ‘I hear this guys' story, I know what he’s gone through. I want to put my body out there for him and make sacrifices for the better of the team.’”
In terms of his health, the 28-year-old feels good.
"I feel good. I do," he said. "A long way to go, but as far as body, I feel pretty good.”
Burkhead will be competing with James White, rookie Sony Michel, Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill and Brandon Bolden for playing time, but given his skill set and experience in the system, he seems primed to take the next step. But for him personally, he's not even thinking about it.
“We’ll see, whatever the coaches want," said Burkhead.
https://weei.radio.com/blogs/ryan-h...-backs-could-rex-burkhead-take-over-no-1-role
Rocky B
Master
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- 2,202
https://www.patspulpit.com/2019/6/2...19-roster-breakdown-running-back-rex-burkhead
They say he’s a lock to make the club....
BB keeps drafting running backs and the new guy is anointed a loftier spot on the depth chart each time, of course.
They say he’s a lock to make the club....
BB keeps drafting running backs and the new guy is anointed a loftier spot on the depth chart each time, of course.
This possibly could turn out to be the most productive season of Rex's NFL career if he stays healthy. He's actually a model of good health compared to the knee history of Sony Michel, the back they drafted in the first round last year. The one they drafted in the third round this year is nothing but a straight ahead bruiser with limited receiving skills. If Michel can't get his knees healthy Rex could turn out to be a valuable commodity, especially given the Patriots' turnover at receiver and TE.
Here's a history of Michel's knee problems:
The hype surrounding New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is excessive. Everyone knows he dominated the 2018 postseason by rushing for 336 yards over three games, which is the 13th-most ever by any player in a single postseason. He also scored the lone touchdown in the Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
However, Michel is the lead player to be a regression candidate for fantasy football in 2019. He will struggle to duplicate his 2018 performance.
Michel has a degenerative knee condition, which makes him a considerable health risk. He has suffered significant knee injuries, and his knee issues began in high school when he suffered a torn ACL. In last year’s preseason, he had a procedure in early August to have fluid drained from his knee. The Patriots brought him along slowly and he returned in Week 2. In a Week 7 matchup last season, he was diagnosed with a knee strain and missed two games.
During this offseason, Michel reportedly had to undergo a knee arthroscopy which caused him to miss the final portion of the team’s workouts. Although the initial reports are positive, this has to be a red flag for Sony Michel fans.
Another negative for Michel is his lack of contribution in the passing game. He received just 11 targets as a rookie, catching seven of those passes for 50 yards and zero touchdowns. Furthermore, it’s difficult to envision an increasing role with James White and Rex Burkhead more talented in the passing game.
In addition to those two running backs, the Patriots added another running back in Damien Harris in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots didn’t draft him in the third round to sit on the bench. Harris is projected as a north-south runner who excels in short-yardage situations.
The Verdict
The crowded Patriots’ backfield should concern fantasy owners. Michel is currently being drafted as RB20, which places him in as RB2 for owners. With a running back by committee being utilized, there is no way that Sony Michel is worthy of a third-round pick.
In the last seven seasons, the Patriots have never had back to back seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. Michel’s situation is not favorable for him to accomplish that feat.
The Patriots will employ Sony Michel and Damien Harris on early-down work, which will limit each player’s fantasy production. Michel can also be phased out of game plans due to his lack of involvement in the passing game. James White and Rex Burkhead will play in distinct passing situations.
The injury history and the crowded backfield is enough to make me avoid Sony Michel at his current draft price.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-fantasy-football-avoid-afc-east/
Here's a history of Michel's knee problems:
The hype surrounding New England Patriots running back Sony Michel is excessive. Everyone knows he dominated the 2018 postseason by rushing for 336 yards over three games, which is the 13th-most ever by any player in a single postseason. He also scored the lone touchdown in the Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
However, Michel is the lead player to be a regression candidate for fantasy football in 2019. He will struggle to duplicate his 2018 performance.
Michel has a degenerative knee condition, which makes him a considerable health risk. He has suffered significant knee injuries, and his knee issues began in high school when he suffered a torn ACL. In last year’s preseason, he had a procedure in early August to have fluid drained from his knee. The Patriots brought him along slowly and he returned in Week 2. In a Week 7 matchup last season, he was diagnosed with a knee strain and missed two games.
During this offseason, Michel reportedly had to undergo a knee arthroscopy which caused him to miss the final portion of the team’s workouts. Although the initial reports are positive, this has to be a red flag for Sony Michel fans.
Another negative for Michel is his lack of contribution in the passing game. He received just 11 targets as a rookie, catching seven of those passes for 50 yards and zero touchdowns. Furthermore, it’s difficult to envision an increasing role with James White and Rex Burkhead more talented in the passing game.
In addition to those two running backs, the Patriots added another running back in Damien Harris in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots didn’t draft him in the third round to sit on the bench. Harris is projected as a north-south runner who excels in short-yardage situations.
The Verdict
The crowded Patriots’ backfield should concern fantasy owners. Michel is currently being drafted as RB20, which places him in as RB2 for owners. With a running back by committee being utilized, there is no way that Sony Michel is worthy of a third-round pick.
In the last seven seasons, the Patriots have never had back to back seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. Michel’s situation is not favorable for him to accomplish that feat.
The Patriots will employ Sony Michel and Damien Harris on early-down work, which will limit each player’s fantasy production. Michel can also be phased out of game plans due to his lack of involvement in the passing game. James White and Rex Burkhead will play in distinct passing situations.
The injury history and the crowded backfield is enough to make me avoid Sony Michel at his current draft price.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-fantasy-football-avoid-afc-east/
Bucky
Hall of Famer
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- Jul 20, 2018
- Messages
- 10,022
Well Rex's career hasn't exactly gone as planned. That said he's accumulated 2,600 all purpose yards and 22TDs combined in his career. He's a FA this year so it will be interesting to see what his market is like after all the injuries.
GB, Pit, or perhaps back to NE off the top of my head. Maybe Vegas orSan Fran?
GB, Pit, or perhaps back to NE off the top of my head. Maybe Vegas orSan Fran?
Rex has earned the grudging respect of DWFs and the NFL, we can only hope another team gives him a chance if the Patriots no longer want him because of his age and injury history. What sucks about all his injuries is that he had a legitimate outside chance to join Hillis and McCaffery as the only White thousand yard rushers since 1985 in a couple of his seasons in New England if he had stayed healthy. Even last year he was on fire early and was getting more touches than expected.
Bucky
Hall of Famer
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Agreed, he's been on the cusp of breakouts in the past only to get injured. He's consistently been one of my favorites since HS! Good news is he's made about 14 million in his time in The NFL. I hope he has a couple of more years left in his gas tank.
Bucky
Hall of Famer
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- Jul 20, 2018
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- 10,022
Pretty honest and fair article breaking down his situation.
https://www.patspulpit.com/2021/2/5...free-agency-profile-rex-burkhead-running-back
https://www.patspulpit.com/2021/2/5...free-agency-profile-rex-burkhead-running-back
Rex was on his way to a big 2020 season until the injury bug struck again. Let's hope Houston gives him the respect he deserves and gives him a fair opportunity. The Texans have David Johnson, Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram in a crowded RB room, but Ingram is pretty much washed up and Johnson began declining almost right after his big 2016 season. Lindsay is a good running back but is small. Watch Rex's 2020 highlights on YouTube.
Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
Burkhead is the type of running back i really like: he almost always makes the first guy miss, he gets north/south instead of running sideways, he can pick up blitzes exceedingly well, and he has outstanding hands. if the injury bug hadn’t bit him so many times, he’d likely be a household name even within the restrictions of the Caste System. hopefully, he has something left in the tank.
Rex has the 10th most rushing attempts of any running back in the league over the past two games with 30. It hasn't amounted to much yet as he's on a bad team with a terrible o-line, but maybe he'll break loose for some big plays soon. At least he's playing after being ignored for much of the season, and David Johnson is questionable at best for this Sunday's game so Burkhead should continue to get fed the ball.
Here's a great piece of news. Rex is old for a running back but has more tread on his tires than most due to hardly being used by Marvin X along with his tendency to get banged up a fair amount:
Texans signed RB Rex Burkhead to a one-year contract extension. Burkhead, 31, isn't a long-term answer for Houston's backfield but has proved serviceable while David Johnson (COVID) and Scottie Phillips (ankle) have been out, handling 103 carries and 17 catches in a workhorse role since Week 11. Burkhead's extension locks him up through the 2022 season.
Texans signed RB Rex Burkhead to a one-year contract extension. Burkhead, 31, isn't a long-term answer for Houston's backfield but has proved serviceable while David Johnson (COVID) and Scottie Phillips (ankle) have been out, handling 103 carries and 17 catches in a workhorse role since Week 11. Burkhead's extension locks him up through the 2022 season.
white lightning
Hall of Famer
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- 21,457
Happy for Rex Burkhead and he deserves the extension. Glad we will have the chance to see him shine for one more year. I've watched him since his college days!