Patriots running back Dion Lewis is generating trade interest around the NFL, reports Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter). The writer says “multiple squads” reached out to New England during the offseason, including “as recently as the past week.” So far, the Patriots have been unwilling to discuss the back, although Howe believes that could change by the late-October trade deadline. The writer also notes that New England isn’t shopping Lewis… they’ve simply received multiple calls about the running back.

After brief stops with the Eagles, Browns and Colts, Lewis had a breakout campaign during his first season in New England in 2015. The former fifth-rounder proved to be a threat in the passing game, hauling in 36 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns. He also added another 234 rushing yards and a pair of scores. However, his season ended early after he suffered a torn ACL. The 26-year-old returned midway through the 2016 season, finishing with a career-high 283 rushing yards.

However, coming into this season, Lewis’s role on the squad was unclear. Fellow pass-catching back James White had a noteworthy season in 2016, hauling in 60 receptions for 551 yards. White seemed to be the favored back during the Patriots’ season-opening loss on Thursday, collecting 10 carries and three receptions. On the flip side, Lewis only had a pair of carries for nine yards. With Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead also on the roster, Lewis would appear to be the most expendable of the bunch.

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