The New England Patriots have made a move that has been a long time coming. 

Yet, it might not be the one that people expected. 

KPRC's Aaron Wilson reports that the Patriots have reportedly signed USFL running back C.J. Marable following a successful workout.  

The Patriots hosted Marable for a workout at the beginning of August. 

Marable formerly played for the Birmingham Stallions, having won back-to-back championships with them in 2022 and 2023.

He was on the team's inactive roster during the 2022 season due to a knee injury, but was re-signed the following year.

Marable finished with 525 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. On the receiving side, he had 235 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

This is his second stint in the NFL, signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in May 2021 before being waived at the end of August, just after training camp. 

The Patriots have been in search of a veteran running back to add to the roster, having also hosted Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, and former Rams running back Darrell Henderson. 

On Friday it was reported that the Patriots were one of "several teams" interested in signing Elliott, however this latest signing might imply that they have taken a different route. 

Prior to the report, the Patriots roster is currently at 90 after signing Joe Giles-Harris on Wednesday, so a corresponding move is expected soon. 

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Featured Image via Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports