Patriots bring Kevin Faulk back for 2010 season

March 11, 12:39 AMNew England Patriots ExaminerSean Crowe

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Patriots running back Kevin Faulk stretches out for a 4th quarter touchdown against the Colts.

AP Photo/AJ Mast

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The longest tenured Patriot has extended his tenure by at least one more season.

Kevin Faulk, the 12-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, signed a one-year contract worth $2 million to remain with the Patriots for the 2010 season. He could reportedly earn an additional $1 million in incentives.

Even at 33 years of age (ancient for an NFL running back), Faulk still has the best hands of any running back in the NFL. He's one of the best third down backs in the league, but calling him a third down back severely underestimates what he means to the Patriots offense.

Faulk was in for more plays than any other Patriots running back last season. He was fourth on the team in receptions with 37, but also averaged over 5 yards per carry rushing the ball. He's extremely underrated as a pass blocker.

He's not a pretty good third down back, he's a pretty good running back.

He's also a pretty good locker room presence, which I'm sure played into the Patriots wanting to bring him back. After a 2009 season where the locker room became problematic, the Patriots have made it a priority to bring back high-character guys who can help get the locker room back to where it was back in 2003 and 2004.

Faulk is 5th in Patriots history with 3505 yards rushing. He's also 4th in Patriots history with 418 receptions.

You may not be excited about the Patriots offseason thus far, but this is a move you should be excited about.