Dion Lewis Rumors: Patriots Return a 'Long Shot' Amid 49ers, Raiders Links

Free-agent running back Dion Lewis is reportedly a "long shot" to return to the New England Patriots, multiple sources told Michael Giardi of NBC Sports Boston.

Per that report, "Expected contractual demands are a problem, and those sources say Lewis remains disappointed by his usage both early in the season and again in the Super Bowl."

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported last week that a number of teams, including the New York Jets, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Indianapolis Colts, have interest in Lewis.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports reported Monday that as many as nine teams have interest in Lewis and that the veteran running back is pursuing a contract in the range of $6.5 million per year.

Lewis, meanwhile, said on The Adam Schefter Podcast that he would like to return to New England if possible but also has to do what is best for himself (h/t Zack Cox of NESN.com):

"I know how the team likes to handle their business, and as a running back, you've got to make the most of your opportunity. And me being the player that I am, my main thing is making sure I can go out there next year and show people the type of player I can be. I still think I can improve from what I did this past year, so my main thing is just making sure I'm valued. That's my biggest thing: make sure that I'm valued the way I value myself."

Lewis, 27, rushed for 896 yards and six touchdowns in the 2017 season, adding 32 receptions for 214 yards and another three scores. But the Patriots have traditionally approached the running back position by committee, at least in recent years, as players like James White, Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee all saw significant touches last season.

While Lewis received 40 total touches in New England's first two playoff games this year, accumulating 207 yards from scrimmage, he only carried the ball nine times in the Super Bowl for 39 yards and didn't have a reception.

If Lewis seeks a larger and more consistent role in an offense, leaving New England would make sense, especially if the two sides are far apart financially.