With free agency looming, Dion Lewis and his reps play waiting game

Dion Lewis’ camp is settling in for what could be an eventful free-agent period.


The running back, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month after a terrific 2017 with the Patriots, is “ready for anything” when it comes to this offseason, according to a source close to the 27-year-old.

He picked a good year to become a free agent -- Lewis had career-highs in carries (180), rushing yards (896), rushing touchdowns (six) and receiving touchdowns (three). In addition, while in the second year of a two-year deal, he played in 16 regular-season games for the first time in his career. While the market for running backs isn’t what it used to be, those totals could still mean a healthy payday, especially when you consider the market and Lewis’ skill set. (An NFC personnel man offered the recent Gio Bernard deal with the Bengals as a possible framework for a new deal for Lewis.)

So what are the chances he ends up sticking around Foxborough? With a couple of exceptions (Corey Dillon, Kevin Faulk), the Patriots have treated most running backs like fungible assets over the years, cycling through them quicker than most teams. At the same time, Lewis’ skill set suggests he’s no traditional back: He can work as a third-down type who can catch 30-plus passes out of the backfield, but he can also hold up as a between-the-tackles option and provide great value as a returner on special teams as well.

Lewis’ agent J.R. Rickert told BostonSportsJournal.com that the two sides haven’t exchanged numbers at this point, only saying that they are playing the waiting game.

“They hold his rights until March 14, but we remain open to hearing whatever thoughts they may have. The ball is in their court,” Rickert said of the Patriots. “We really can’t do anything right now.”