The New England Patriots will have multiple notable decisions to make in the coming months. If it were up to Shane Vereen, he would look to bring a running back to his former team who can blossom as a pass-catcher for Mac Jones on third downs.

Vereen recently took some time to speak to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, where the one-time Super Bowl winner laid out a case for why the Patriots should get Jones such a player for the 2023 campaign.

“I think it's going to help out Mac Jones as well to utilize the checkdown,” Vereen said. “Tom (Brady) utilized to checkdown any time he could, and it's going to help Mac Jones get the ball out faster. It's going to keep the chains moving. More than anything, if it's not on third down, maybe it's on first or second down. Now you're getting into third and manageable.

“Now you get into second and short, which keeps drives alive and keeps drives going.”

For years, James White played this role in New England’s offense, and he made the most out of every single one of his touches. Whether in checkdowns or in designed routes, White was a safety blanket for Tom Brady and also for Jones for a brief period of time in the 2021 season.

With White deciding to retire before the start of the 2022 campaign, the Patriots relied on Rhamondre Stevenson to be Jones’ go-to, pass-catching option at the running back position last season. Stevenson led all running backs on the team in both receptions (69) and receiving yards (421), but he posted a lowly 6.1 receiving yards per reception average.

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·

Vereen hopes that whoever takes hold of this role for the Patriots will simply be as reliable as could be for Jones.

“It's going to be consistency,” Vereen said. “Are you consistently in the spot that we need you to be when we need you to be there? Are you on the same page not just with the quarterback, but are you on the same page with the offensive linemen and blitz protection and pass pro(tection)? Are you in conjunction with the receivers and the conceptual routes and the spacing?

“So much of that part isn't really highlighted on Sundays, but it's probably the most important part of being a third-down back or just a running back in that type of offense.”

A pivotal free agency period awaits New England next month.