According to the Providence Journal, the Patriots have shown some interest in recently released running back Fred Taylor. He has 11,271 yards in 11 years in the league, all with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and also boasts a 4.6 yards per carry career average. For some reason, he has only one trip to the Pro Bowl in that time.

If last year proved anything, it's that Laurence Maroney is not the answer at the running back position. I'm sure the guy was in some serious pain throughout the season, he is a football player after all, but I wrote him off as soon as he jumped out of bounds instead of taking a hit to get the first down. I don't remember when exactly it happened and I definitely don't recall their opponent, but man, was that weak. Taylor would be a most welcome addition to a stable of backs that already includes Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, the aforementioned Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis as Jordan will likely bolt when he becomes a free agent next week and Maroney's status is anything but certain at this point. It's almost become a cliche at this point, but we've all seen the success the Pats can have with backs in their twilight years, and Taylor would likely be the next in that long line.