Do you mean veterans like Benvaris Green Ellis or Danny Woodhead? Or Lawrence Maroney or Sammy Morris? Because these are their leading rushers over the past 5 years! Look my point is that the Pats have consistently released players who had given a lot to their team but had nothing left in the tank.
I understand your point, but when it comes to runningbacks, the Pats always have a veteran or two on hand. This Sammy Morris guy you are talking about has been around since early 2000, I consider that a veteran. Same with Faulk, who prior to this year was the best third down specialist in the league. Maroney was poor and traded.
If Faulk had not gotten hurt early in the year, we might not even know who Woodhead is.
Also, the Pats use a commitee approach. The only reason BGE or Woodhead are getting as many carries is because of the injuries to Taylor(I agree he will not be with them next year) and Faulk. Early in the year Taylor was the 1st and 2nd down guy and Faulk was the great third down specialist that he has always been. BGE and Woodhead did not sniff the field early.
The Pats seem to like the vet RBs the past couple of years. Outside of the veteran runningbacks, I agree that the Pats get rid of players at the right time. They like to collect the occasional over the hill RB.
I would like to see Portis come back to this team in a third down role much like that of Kevin Faulk. I think he can be valuable. Of course this is based on whether or not he agrees with the price cut he will recieve.