Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Rotoworld

  • FA Running Back #46
    Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players
    Complications from his 2019 neck injury have forced Patriots FB James Develin to retire after eight years in the NFL.
    Develin’s professional football career actually began in 2010, but he had to put in stints in the UFL and Arena League before the big leagues came calling. A converted defensive lineman, Develin turned in six seasons of lead blocking duty before his neck derailed 2019. Three months shy of his 32nd birthday, the three-time Super Bowl winner has made the wise decision to put his long-term health first. It’s unfortunate timing for both him and the Patriots with a more run-heavy offense likely at least in the initial wake of Tom Brady’s absence.

  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots placed FB James Develin (neck) on injured reserve.
    Develin has been a major part of the Patriots’ run game since 2013 in one of the league’s few offense that still utilizes the FB position to a heavy extent. The longtime vulture scored four touchdowns on just six carries in 2018. His absence could lead to more two-RB sets, or simply more FB reps for the Patriots’ TEs.
  • FA Running Back #46
    James Develin did not touch the ball in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII victory over the Rams.
    The scorer of a few troll touchdowns, Develin touched the ball 18 times all year. 66 percent of his work came through the air. Develin’s 399 regular season snaps were the second most at the nearly extinct fullback position. He signed through 2020.
  • FA Running Back #46
    James Develin delivered five yards and two touchdowns on four carries while also supplying a nine-yard catch on his lone target Sunday in New England’s Week 13 win over Minnesota.
    Like a thief in the night, Develin vultured a pair of goal-line touchdowns from Sony Michel. Remarkably, three of his five carries this year have gone for touchdowns. Aside from infuriating Michel owners, the 255-pound fullback carries no fantasy significance.
  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots promoted FB James Develin from the practice squad.
    A third-year pro, Develin has never been active on game day. He was a defensive lineman in college. It’s doubtful he sees an offensive snap on Sunday.
  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots signed FB James Develin, WR Andre Holmes and DT Tracy Robertson to reserve/future contracts.
    Develin ended the season on the practice squad and appeared in one game for the Patriots in 2012. He’ll compete for a roster spot this spring and summer.
  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots re-signed FB James Develin.
    Develin was cut on Monday when the Patriots signed blocking tight end Matthew Mulligan. Mulligan was released Thursday, so Develin gets his spot back.
  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots waived FB James Develin.
    The move is slightly surprising because Develin had a nice preseason and his release leaves New England without a fullback on the 53-man roster. Perhaps Develin will return after Week 1. Look for the Patriots to run out of one-back sets, spreading the field to create advantageous run-game matchups.
  • FA Running Back #46
    Patriots re-signed FB James Develin to a two-year contract.
    A 2010 UDFA, Develin has developed into one of the game’s better lead blockers. He has just 20 career touches on offense.
  • FA Running Back #46
    CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora “fully expects” free agent FB James Develin to re-sign with the Patriots “in the next few days.”
    Develin was a huge part of New England’s 2016 offense, particularly in Power-I formations with LeGarrette Blount at tailback. Develin also plays special teams. The consummate Patriot, Develin almost certainly isn’t going anywhere.