The New England Patriots claimed running back Tyler Gaffney off waivers from the Carolina Panthers according to Adam Schefter from ESPN and this is a similar move to what the team did to the Giants a few years ago with Jake Ballard.
The Patriots play the roster game better than anyone else in the league and they added Gaffney despite the fact that he is injured. According to ESPN.com, the Panthers wanted to put Gaffney on IR and off the 90-man roster, but the Patriots put a waiver claim on the sixth round pick and now in a way it's almost as if New England drafted Gaffney. Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said he understood the move and that it's "business" and he knows firsthand from his time with the Giants after Bill Belichick pulled the same move with tight end Jake Ballard.
The Patriots are a smart franchise when it comes to these moves and while Gaffney has a season-ending knee injury, New England now has a cheap, long-term running back that could step in over the next couple years. Last season the Patriots had some issues wit Stevan Ridley towards the end of the season with his ball control and with Ridley, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden all coming up as free agents, Gaffney easily could step in as one of the replacements for the trio or duo depending on who does not return.
The Patriots often take the long view on players and this is that situation playing out again and he comes in at a very cheap price for the team, as his contract numbers are $420,000, $510,000, $600,000 and $690,000 per season, according to Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston. Ballard did not end up working out with the team, as his knee injury lingered, but Gaffney could be there for the full contract along with rookie James White and this is another slick move from Belichick and co.
