Patriots Rumors: LeGarrette Blount receives contract offer from Patriots
By Brian Hines
Recent Patriots rumors are that the team has an offer on the table for running back LeGarrette Blount. Will he return to New England?
In a busy offseason, there have been plenty of Patriots rumors. Most recently, they have been about their power running back. LeGarrette Blount was one of the biggest surprises from the 2016-17 New England Patriots. After signing a one-year, $1 million contract, Blount ran for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns, both career highs.
With Blount on the open market yet again, the NFL Network reported that the Patriots and Blount have mutual interest on striking a new deal. New England is not known for investing at the running back position, but Blount currently has an “offer on the table,” according to Mike Giardi of CSN New England.
Can confirm there is an offer on the table for Blount from the Patriots. They would like a return. He would like a return. $$ matters
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 7, 2017
Coming off the best season of his career, this could be Blount’s last chance to cash in on an NFL contract. And Blount surely knows it. Spotted at a Celtics game in the past weeks, Blount weaved through reports saying “See, tell them I still got it. Give me some money.”
The Patriots currently have an abundance of running backs on the roster with Dion Lewis, James White, DJ Foster, Brandon Bolden, James Develin and newly acquired Rex Burkhead. But with a recent visit with Adrian Peterson and a contract offer to Blount, it appears the team is open to adding more bodies at the position.
Blount will turn 31 this December, but he only has piled up 1,279 career NFL carries. Last season was his first with over 200 carries. After earning around $3.64 million in his last 3.5 seasons with the Patriots, Blount could be looking around $3.5 million for this upcoming season.
Next: 2017 Seven-Round Mock for the Patriots
While pass protection and receiving limit his value, his down hill style of running is something the Patriots don’t currently have on their roster. Blount has a chance to lead the Patriots in rushing for three straight seasons, something that hasn’t been done since Corey Dillon from 2004 to 2006.