Despite coming off a career year and playing a key role in their postseason run, the New England Patriots opted not to re-sign running back Dion Lewis, who settled on a four-year, $20 million deal from the Tennessee Titans.
Lewis led the Patriots with 896 rushing yards in 2017, scoring six rushing touchdowns while adding 214 receiving yards and a trio of touchdown receptions. Lewis was vital in helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl 52, though they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33.
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And throughout the offseason, a handful of former Patriots players have been critical of the Patriots organization. Speaking to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Lewis seemed to take a bit of a verbal jab at the team for not appreciating what he did for them.
"I'm happy with the decision, and this is the decision I would've made even if they did offer. If they wanted me, they could've had me," Lewis said. "But obviously, they didn't want me, they didn't think I was good enough to be there. I just had to move on and do what's best for me."
Lewis spent his first two NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, but missed all of 2013 with a fractured fibula and wasn't signed for the 2014 season. It was the Patriots who revived Lewis' career by signing him in 2015, where he'd become the lead running back.
That being said, Lewis is one of the many standout players whom Bill Belichick had no problem moving on from, and that no player in Foxborough is ever untouchable. Now, he'll join a Tennessee Titans team that is now coached by former Patriot star Mike Vrabel, and cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler. The Patriot connection is strong
This includes wide receiver Danny Amendola, who compared head coach Bill Belichick to being a high school principal.
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