Dion Lewis: Teams reaching out to New England Patriots about running back

Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Several NFL franchises are interested in acquiring New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis.

Sources told the Boston Herald that multiple teams reached out to the Patriots this offseason and as recently as last week, expressing their interest in the seven-year veteran.

Lewis, 26, is making $1.2 million on the final year of his three-year contract. The dynamic playmaker had just two carries for nine yards in the Patriots' Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was near the bottom of the depth chart in the defeat, playing just six snaps.

New England also has Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White and Brandon Bolden at the position.

Lewis was a fifth round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 NFL Draft. His best season came in 2015, when he had 234 yards and two scores on the ground, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also had 36 catches for 388 yards and two scores that season for the Patriots.

The NFL trade deadline is set for Oct. 31.

Gillislee had a team-high 15 touches for the Patriots Thursday, while White had 13 touches. White led the team with 43 snaps in the suprising 42-27 loss at Gillette Stadium.