The New England Patriots are signing receiving running back Ty Montgomery to a two-year deal, Josina Anderson of CBS and USA Today reported Thursday. The deal comes after the Raiders signed Brandon Bolden Wednesday. Here are three thoughts on the signing.

The perfect replacement for Bolden

This is the perfect replacement for Bolden.

With Bolden playing a role as more of a receiving back, a running back that also plays receiver (it’s an official position listing too, unlike Bolden) while also being four years younger in age than the 32-year-old in Bolden, this is an ideal move — even despite having much less production thorugh the recent years.

Montgomery is still probably capable of what he produced in 2016, when he was 23, as he had 77 rushes on 457 yards to go along with 44 catches and 348 yards through the air with the Packers. With the Saints in 2021 though, the 6-foot versatile asset had just 15 rushes for just 44 yards and 16 catches on 95 yards.

J.J. Taylor doesn’t get his shot

When Bolden left, it looked like the 5-foot-6 receiving back in J.J. Taylor was going to get a shot in 2022 after being a healthy scratch for 13 games despite an impressive preseason. Through his five games he had just 19 carries and four catches.

But, the Patriots likely don’t want to take a chance on a guy that is shorter than the majority of the media, never mind the colleagues on the field.

While he could still impress in the preseason and he could still earn some playing time, New England is likely going to go with a more proven option in terms of the depth chart.

Patriots not making big splashes

After making big splashes in free agency in the offseason prior, the Patriots are clearly avoiding big paydays, as shown when they seemingly did not even attempt to re-sign J.C. Jackson.

It will probably be the same for the rest of the offseason, and the draft will be the biggest source of talent this offseason for New England.