Jakob Johnson says Patriots are cutting out fullback position in 2022

The New England Patriots are known for carrying a fullback on the roster.

For seven consecutive seasons, they had a Pro Bowler in James Develin leading the way for the running backs. The Patriots gave Danny Vitale a shot during the COVID-19 season in 2020, but he opted-out and it gave Jakob Johnson a chance.

Johnson took his opportunity and played the entirety of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He led the way for Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson — who both had remarkable seasons in their own respective ways. Because of this, the report of Johnson signing a league minimum deal with the Las Vegas Raiders was extremely surprising.

He gave some some insight while speaking with the German news outlet, DPA.

“The Patriots have informed me that they will no longer need my services next season simply because they will no longer have my position on the roster,” Johnson said.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss alluded to the idea that tight end Jonnu Smith could take snaps in the backfield and be a de facto fullback. Smith signed a major deal last offseason and didn’t produce the way the Patriots expected.

Getting rid of a traditional fullback and relying on a player like Smith to step up could be the course of action from Bill Belichick. Either way its put, the removal of the position is an odd and intriguing move by Belichick — especially after losing two of the Patriots’ top interior linemen.

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