Patriots Rumors: Ex-Giants RB Orleans Darkwa Visiting New England in Free Agency

The New England Patriots will host running back Orleans Darkwa on Monday as they look to potentially increase their depth at the position.

Darkwa, 26, spent the last three-plus seasons with the New York Giants. He rushed for a career-high 751 yards and five touchdowns in 2017 but has not been br

The Patriots re-signed Rex Burkhead to a multiyear contract last month but lost starter Dion Lewis to the Tennessee Titans. Darkwa hasn't shown Lewis' acumen in the passing game, but he and Burkhead (a good pass-catcher) could approximate what Lewis brought to the table in 2017.

Darkwa's performance was up-and-down throughout last season, though it's unclear how much of that was a product of the Giants' teamwide struggles. 

Mike Gillislee, Jeremy Hill, and James White are also on the Patriots roster. They could choose to move on from one of those players in training camp. Odds are even if Darkwa signs with New England, his job is nowhere near safe.