[UPDATE 9:26 p.m. ET:] Lewis will reportedly sign with the Tennessee Titans.
Former Patriots’ RB Dion Lewis intends to sign a 4-year deal with Tennesee, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
The New York Giants are reportedly one of eight teams interested in New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis. The Giants, Dolphins, Jets, Titans, Texans Colts, 49ers, and Patriots are said to have “varying levels of interest” in Lewis.
How serious is the Giants’ interest in Lewis? That is unknown, but with both Orleans Darkwa and Shane Vereen being unrestricted free agents, the Giants do have a need there. A report on Monday indicated that the Giants were also interested in former Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart.
Why it would make sense
For starters, because the Giants need running backs. We have been over this before, but the Giants have only Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins right now, and Perkins was a huge disappointment last season.
Lewis is a good player with a well-rounded skill set who was used well by the Patriots the past few seasons. He is coming off a career year in which he gained 896 yards rushing and caught 52 passes. He fits the mold of a running back who can both run and catch.
Why it wouldn’t make sense
Because it might be Vereen all over again. A useful player but one for whom the Giants would have to overpay, especially with so many teams involved. Is Lewis really a guy who can carry the load as a running back? Last season was the first time in his five-year career he had gained more than 283 yards rushing. He turns 28 next season, and while that is still in the under 30 window for running backs he is still a player who has been a part-time performer most of his career.
When the Patriots lost Vereen to the Giants, they replaced him with the then-unknown duo of Lewis and James White. Should the Giants now get into a bidding war to replace Vereen with a guy who might end up being a similar third-down back?
In my view, I see Lewis to the Giants as unlikely.