Rex Burkhead is staying with the New England Patriots. The veteran runner reportedly inked a multi-year deal with the franchise as free agency opened, according to Jim McBride. terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
The @Patriots have agreed to a multiyear contract with RB Rex Burkhead @RBrex2022 according to a league source. Burkhead collected more than 500 yards from scrimmage with 8 TDs in 2017.
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) March 14, 2018
New England Patriots Retain Rex Burkhead
Cincinnati Bengals
Burkhead was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 190th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. He battled a hamstring injury during his rookie season. Burkhead was only active for one game during his rookie campaign in which he played only on special teams. In 2014, Burkhead played in nine games and started to come on at the end of the season. He finished with nine carries for 27 yards and a touchdown along with seven receptions for 49 yards. During the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded three receptions for 34 yards starting at wide receiver.
In 2015 Burkhead was once again a special teams ace for the Bengals. He finished with four carries for four yards along with 10 receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown. Burkhead’s breakout season came in 2016. He started one game, but his usage went up on third down. He finished with career highs in every major statistical category. Burkhead had 74 carries for 344 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. In the passing game, he recorded 17 receptions for 145 yards.
New England Patriots
Burkhead caught the eyes of Bill Belichick and signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract with the Patriots. Burkhead once again dealt with injuries and only played in 10 games. He finished with 64 carries for 264 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. In the passing game, Burkhead finished with career-highs across the board. Burkhead had 30 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns. In the postseason, Burkhead’s performance on the field did not make the most headlines. He was reportedly the player who collided with Patriots’ star quarterback Tom Brady and sliced his hand before the AFC Championship Game. Brady required stitches in his throwing hand, but the Patriots still went on to Super Bowl LII. Burkhead had three carries for 18 yards, and one catch for 46 yards in the loss to the Philadephia Eagles.
