Lamar Miller and the New England Patriots running back have reached an agreement on a one-year contract, pending a physical, told agent Drew Rosenhaus of ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Patriots saw another option to run back to No. 1 option Sony Michel underwent offseason foot surgery and open training camp on the active / physically unable to list, and valuable backup Brandon Bolden refused the 2020 season.
Miller missed the 2019 season after tearing his ACL in the Houston Texans’ third preseason game against the Cowboys.
He joins a depth map in New England that includes “passing” James White, all-time eight-year veteran Rex Burkhead, 2019 third-round pick Damien Harris of Alabama, and undrafted free agent JJ Taylor (Arizona).
During his three active seasons in Houston, Miller ran for 2,934 yards and 13 touchdowns on 716 yards. He also hit 92 passes and scored five touchdowns. Miller’s best season for the Texans came in 2018, when he averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
Before Miller tore his ACL, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien praised Miller’s ability in pass protection.
In the 2019 offseasons, Miller focused on shedding his body fat and continuing to work on his speed and lower body strength. He said he felt faster during training camp and he felt the agility work he had done in the offseason.
Miller, 29, was a free agent for the first time since signing a four-year, $ 26 million contract with the Texans in 2016.
He began his career with the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2012 draft and has 7429 total yards of scrimmage in his career and 40 total touchdowns.
Mike Reiss and Sarah Barshop of ESPN contributed to this report.
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