The New England Patriots are continuing their streak of low-cost signings in free agency, and they’re beginning to bring in more out-of-house options. Running back Ty Montgomery is their second external addition, with the free agent agreeing to terms with New England on Thursday, per a league source.
He will sign a two-year deal worth up to $4 million. And when the full terms come out. He’s likely to make an even humbler sum.
The Patriots probably envision Montgomery taking over for backup running back and special teams standout Brandon Bolden, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week. Montgomery entered the NFL as a receiver, and is a solid pass-catcher, but moved to running back and had some success with his four NFL teams between the tackles. He has experience as a special teams player, both as a coverage player and as a kick returner. For whatever reason, he has not taken a punt in the NFL. For that reason, he is not likely to replace returner Gunner Olszewski, who hit free agency on Wednesday.
At best, the Patriots can find something in Montgomery that he has yet to show at the NFL level — and he’ll be as versatile as Cordarrelle Patterson. But to temper those expectations, he hasn’t posted more than 200 yards from scrimmage since 2018. So it’s more likely he’s either making the team as a special teams player and James White’s backup — or Montgomery misses the cut during training camp.
