The New England Patriots are set to welcome back a mainstay on their team in running back James White. A deal isn't completed yet, but the two sides are expected to reach an agreement that will allow him to play in his eighth season for the Patriots, per ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler.

White has always served as a reliever for the team's RB1 ever since he came to the league back in 2014, playing a key role in three Super Bowl victories led by former quarterback Tom Brady.

As compared to his previous campaigns, White's 2020 season wasn't quite as prolific. He was limited to a total of 121 rushing yards on 35 attempts to go with two touchdowns in 14 appearances off the bench. He did rack up 49 catches for 375 yards and a score, but that was well down from the past few seasons. He also had to deal with the loss of his father prior to their Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks, which definitely made an impact on his production all season long.

Although White failed to see many touches in 2020, he remains a vital piece for the team due to his familiarity with Bill Belichick's system. However, the Patriots' thin running back room continues to be a liability for the team. New England should definitely acquire more capable ball carriers to play alongside White in order to have a more dynamic offensive attack.

With a shallow rushing unit, James White has the opportunity to have a greater role next season. He should definitely step up in order to complement the team's newly acquired weapons in the tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith along with wide receiver Nelson Agholor.

The Patriots have had themselves quite an offseason, and it continues with this latest move.