The Pittsburgh Steelers released running back LeGarrette Blount on Tuesday, but it didn’t take long for the fifth-year veteran to get picked up.
Blount — who spent the 2013 season in New England — is headed back to Foxborough. ESPN reports the Patriots signed Blount to a two-year deal, worth the veteran minimum. This move might look odd to some, as the Pats already have a full stable of running backs, but in reality it’s a huge win for both sides. (RELATED: GRAY ERUPTS WITH 4 TD’s AS PATRIOTS STOMP THE COLTS)
In his prior stint with New England, Blount collected 772 yards on only 153 attempts, and he brings a new element to Bill Belichick’s offense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter claims Blount could be utilized as a kick returner, but his true value lies in a more conventional role. Built like a semi-truck, Blount is a tough guy to bring down, and he’ll be used to physically wear down defenses and kill clock late in games.
Plus he does ridiculous stuff like this.
And this.
And, of course, this.
Most importantly, running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are both in the final years of their contracts with New England, and adding Blount will give the Patriots some additional payroll-flexibility going into the 2015 offseason.
Looks like Pats fans will be seeing this for quite a while.
