Patriots Rumors: James White Re-Signs on 1-Year, $2.5M Contract in Free Agency

After seven seasons with the New England Patriots, James White is back for more, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported White has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with New England.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler first reported a deal was close.

White had a down year as he prepared to enter free agency. In 14 appearances, he posted 121 rushing yards and two scores, and he tallied 375 yards and one touchdown as the team's third-leading receiver. 

While it was a disappointing campaign for the Wisconsin product, it was a rough year all around in New England as the team looked to Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady under center. The Patriots had their worst record since 2000 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

White nearly halved his production from 2019, when he had 645 receiving yards and five touchdowns with 263 rushing yards and another score. The three-time Super Bowl champ's best season came in 2018, when he recorded 751 receiving yards and seven scores with 425 rushing yards and five touchdowns. 

New England could have lost him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, since ESPN's Dan Graziano and Fowler reported March 14 that the Super Bowl champions could pursue White in free agency. 

Instead, he will slot back into Newton's offense alongside Julian Edelman, Jakobi Meyers and Damien Harris. He'll also welcome additions Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.