The New England Patriots have found the solution to their running-back problem. The defending Super Bowl Champions acquired Pro Bowler Corey Dillon from the Cincinnati Bengals Monday, in exchange for a second-round pick in this weekend’s NFL draft.
Originally selected No. 43 overall in 1997, Dillon is the Bengals’ all-time leading rusher with 8,061 career rushing yards. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons before injuries limited him to 541 in 2003.
Dillon’s seven years in a Cincinnati uniform proved to be contentious at times, surrounded by trade rumors and trade demands. He is expected to be replaced in the starting lineup by Rudi Johnson, who picked up 957 yards and nine touchdowns in Dillon’s absence.
“Corey has been a very productive back for the Bengals for a number of years,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a press release. “But you don’t get a second-round pick without giving something up, and we believe this clearly is the move that’s in our team’s best interest.”
One of the lone troublesome points for New England last season was the rushing attack, which will now feature three-time Pro Bowler Dillon. The Patriots finished 2003 ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing. They were led by Antowain Smith’s 642 yards and Mike Cloud’s five touchdowns. Kevin Faulk also rushed for 638 yards.
New England parted ways with Smith following the season. The team declined to pick up the option on the former Buffalo Bill’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.
“We are very excited about Corey Dillon becoming a Patriot,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told the team’s official website. “Corey joins Kevin Faulk and our other very good backs to deepen an already competitive running back position.
The youthful Bengals receive the No. 56 overall selection. They now have 10 picks in their possession. The 2004 draft will be held Saturday and Sunday in New York.
“We are excited to obtain another early selection in what looks to be a talent-rich draft,” Lewis said. “Our organization has obtained many excellent players in the second round through the years. And with a total of seven picks now in the first four rounds, we’re in a position to improve ourselves significantly.”
— compiled from staff reports
