Blount Rejoins Patriots, With An Eye To the Future?
 LaGarrette Blount rejoins the Patriots where he had a big finish to the 2013 season. (USA TODAY Images) |
LaGarrette Blount wasted little time. Just two days after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he signed with the New England Patriots and shortly thereafter was seen at the Pats practice wearing #60 on Thursday.
Blount left the field early on Monday night during Pittsburgh's win over the Tennessee Titans, reportedly upset at the lack of carries and playing time while backing up LaVeon Bell for the Steelers. He was cut loose less than 24 hours later in a move that was applauded by Pittsburgh's players.
But the Patriots, who signed Blount to a 2-year deal for the veteran minimum with a lot of performance incentives, were more than willing to take another chance on the big, 6'0, 247 lb. running back who performed quite well down the stretch for the Patriots in 2013. Blount had 153 carries for 772 yards last season, which averaged 5.0 ypc, and scored seven touchdowns.
In the season finale against the Bills, Blount rushed for 189 yards and then against the Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs, rushed for 166 yards and four touchdowns more. He signed with the Steelers as a free agent this spring and had only 266 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns this season in spot duty.
This move by the Patriots could be seen as a move for the post-season push and a look to the future. By signing Blount the Patriots now have depth at the running back position with Jonas Gray and have two big backs who can carry the ball and get the tough physical yards inside, especially now that the weather in the Northeast is getting more wintry. It will take the onus off of Shane Vereen, and allow him to be used more on passing downs, which is his forte.
The other factor is now with Blount, Jonas Gray and James White in the stable for 2015, it gives the team some stability and insurance at the running back position as Stevan Ridley, Vereen and Brandon Bolden are all free agents next year.
Blount may actually see a few snaps on Sunday against Detroit as he's already familiar with the Patriots offense and could help in the return game where he had a 29.1 yard average in 2013.
