James White, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers. (Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
With Brian Flores joining the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff, look for the team to pursue some of his former players in NFL free agency.
By hiring former Miami Dolphins head coach and New England Patriots assistant Brian Flores, the Pittsburgh Steelers now have an in with those two AFC franchises when it comes to NFL free agency.
While the Steelers franchise is too smart and methodical to deviate a ton from its plans just because they hired Flores, do not be shocked if a former Patriots or Dolphins player or two makes his way to Pittsburgh. The Steelers need to get the quarterback position right above all else this offseason, but adding a few pieces in free agency will help them maintain viability in the AFC.
Here is a list of pending free agents that have played for Brian Flores either with the Dolphins or with the Patriots.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 former Brian Flores players to pursue in NFL free agency
3
James White
RB New England Patriots
James White is not getting any younger and he could be in need of a fresh start
Though he has been nothing short of a good soldier in New England, running back James White may have played his last down for the Patriots. The former fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has won three Super Bowls playing in New England. Even if he has never been, and never will be, a 1,000-yard rusher, White’s contributions to the Patriots dynasty can never be dismissed.
What has made White such an important piece in New England is his versatility out of the backfield. Though he is technically a running back, he has done the bulk of his damage as a receiver out of the backfield during his professional career. This is precisely why the Steelers could look to pursue him in his free agency. He is a savvy veteran who can help out a young quarterback.
With White coming off an injury-riddled 2021 campaign and now firmly on the wrong side of 30, it is all about fit for him going forward. He could stick in New England because the Patriots do have a young quarterback in Mac Jones. However, White might be interested in a change of scenery to close out his playing career. By going to the Steelers, he could join another winning organization.
White might be a career Patriot, but it would serve the Steelers to at least look in on him for 2022.