In the last few days, the New England Patriots have seen the departure of several key players on both sides of the ball through free agency. It has created the need for an internal push from the organization to retain their remaining players on the open market.

Following the departure of running back Dion Lewis to the Tennessee Titans, it has created a sizeable hole in the backfield with their primary option heading elsewhere. According to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have reportedly agreed to a multi-year deal with veteran running back Rex Burkhead.

Burkhead had joined the team last offseason on a one-year, $3.1 million deal after spending his first three years with the Cincinnati Bengals. In his first season in New England, he proved to be a versatile option in the backfield as both a runner and receiver. In 10 games played, he rushed for 264 yards with five touchdowns along with hauling in 30 catches on 36 targets for 254 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Burkhead was a valuable option in a secondary role in the Patriots' backfield approach that is more of a running back by committee game plan.

The 27-year-old could in line for an increased role next season with Lewis out of the mix. He could easily take over the starting job and become an even bigger factor in both the running and passing game. Last season, he had only tallied double-double carries three times that came in the three starts that he made.

It has been a rough start to the free agency period for the Patriots having lost starting left tackle Nate Solder to the New York Giants, veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola to the Miami Dolphins, and Lewis and cornerback Malcolm Butler to the Titans. This likely made bringing back Burkhead a greater importance to keep some stability on the offensive side of the ball around Tom Brady.