After a decorated career in New England, running back James White enters NFL free agency with several potential landing spots available to him. Let’s take a look at some interesting landing spots for James White when free agency starts.

James White Landing Spots

James White has predominantly been a pass-catching back in his career with New England. The former fourth-round pick has 369 career receptions compared to 309 career carries. That ability makes his potential landing spots all the more interesting.

Carolina Panthers

James White’s style actually fits a similar role to that of Christian McCaffrey in terms of an offensive design, making this an intriguing option among potential landing spots. White is not as strong carrying the ball as McCaffrey. However, he could provide an interesting backup option for the Panthers. White would play in a similar scheme to McCaffrey in terms of his role catching passes.

Additionally, the Panthers could have both White and McCaffrey on the field at the same time. That would give Carolina the ability to play the matchups, moving McCaffrey and White into the slot if necessary. Having two backs with the ability out of the backfield that these two have would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers look ready to overhaul their running back position this offseason. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are both set to be free agents. That leaves just A.J. Dillon as the main back in Green Bay. Dillon is talented, but his limited pass-catching experience makes this a great potential landing spot for James White.

In his college and NFL career combined, Dillon has just 23 receptions. That is not to say he cannot be effective when catching the ball out of the backfield. However, if the Packers plan to have Dillon head up the backfield, adding White gives them that third-down option. If Dillon is successful, White’s role can diminish. Still, adding White would provide a security blanket to their offense.

Las Vegas Raiders

Josh Jacobs is the clear No. 1 in Las Vegas, but he does not seem to be viewed in Las Vegas as a regular passing-down option. His role in the passing game grew in 2020, but he still only caught 33 passes. Additionally, Devontae Booker is about to depart as a free agent this offseason.

The Raiders make a solid potential landing spot for James White as a passing-down back. He can also spell Jacobs at times in the run game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, a reunion between him and the running back he trusts makes a lot of sense. Leonard Fournette is hitting free agency, leaving Ronald Jones as the RB1 in Tampa.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn could be viewed as the potential secondary option in 2021. Unfortunately, he was credited with 3 drops on 10 targets last season. Furthermore, Jones was credited with 5 drops on 42 targets in 2020.

While no one is immune from drops, James White is a reliable pass catcher, making this an ideal landing spot. White could come in and be the veteran running back presence. It would allow Brady to have a back he can rely on in crucial spots while also providing a mentor to Jones and Vaughn.

What is James White’s market value in free agency?

James White is an interesting proposition in terms of landing spots because he is not likely to command a huge price. The 130th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has had glittering moments, but he has not been a consistent weapon. He has never carried the ball more than 100 times in a single season and has only topped 70 carries once (2018).

After being a big part of New England’s offense in 2018 with 181 total touches, he has seen just 223 total touches in the last two seasons. However, White has scored 21 touchdowns in the last three seasons and accumulated 2,580 total yards from scrimmage.

Spotrac has James White priced at around $3 million per year on a three-year deal. In addition, two interesting comparisons are Dion Lewis and Shane Vereen.

Vereen signed a three-year, $12.35 million contract with the Giants in 2015 after having success in New England. Similarly, Lewis signed a four-year, $19.8 million contract with the Titans. However, both players underwhelmed in their new homes, and those comparisons could hurt James White’s market when it comes to landing spots in 2021 free agency.

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James White Landing Spots: Potential landing spots for former Patriots RB