Free-agent running back LeGarrette Blount, who was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, agreed Thursday to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots for the veteran minimum plus incentives, according to a source.
The running back was in New England early Thursday morning, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson. The deal reunites Blount with the team for whom he rushed for nearly 800 yards in 2013 before signing a two-year, $3.85 million deal with the Steelers in March.
The 247-pound Blount joins a Patriots running back group that includes overnight sensation Jonas Gray (who rushed for 201 yards against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night), Brandon Bolden, pass-catching specialist Shane Vereen and rookie James White.
While Blount could help the Patriots this year, there is also an aspect of looking to the future, as running backs Stevan Ridley (currently on injured reserve with a torn ACL), Vereen and Bolden are all scheduled for free agency after the season.
[h=4]New England Flavor[/h]
LeGarrette Blount had the best statistical season of his career with the Patriots last year, averaging a career-high 5.1 yards per carry and rushing for 7 touchdowns.
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The Steelers waived Blount less than 24 hours after he left the field before the end of the 27-24 win over the Titans because the fifth-year veteran was upset he did not receive any carries in the game. He went unclaimed on waivers.
Last season with the Patriots, Blount rushed for 772 yards on 153 carries, an average of five yards per attempt, and scored seven touchdowns. He rushed for 189 yards against the Bills in the final week of the regular season and followed that up with 166 yards on the ground and four touchdowns against the Colts in the playoffs.
He rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns this season but carried the ball only five times in the Steelers' past two games and did not gain a yard.
To make room on the roster for Blount, the Patriots will cut defensive lineman Casey Walker, according to a source. When that transaction unfolds, assuming there are no unexpected twists, Walker would be eligible to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The running back was in New England early Thursday morning, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson. The deal reunites Blount with the team for whom he rushed for nearly 800 yards in 2013 before signing a two-year, $3.85 million deal with the Steelers in March.
The 247-pound Blount joins a Patriots running back group that includes overnight sensation Jonas Gray (who rushed for 201 yards against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night), Brandon Bolden, pass-catching specialist Shane Vereen and rookie James White.
While Blount could help the Patriots this year, there is also an aspect of looking to the future, as running backs Stevan Ridley (currently on injured reserve with a torn ACL), Vereen and Bolden are all scheduled for free agency after the season.
[h=4]New England Flavor[/h]
| Year | Yards/Rush - Career | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|
| 2013<< | 5.1 | 7 |
| 2010 | 5.0 | 6 |
| 2011 | 4.2 | 5 |
| >>With Patriots; re-signed with team Thursday -- ESPN Stats & Info |
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The Steelers waived Blount less than 24 hours after he left the field before the end of the 27-24 win over the Titans because the fifth-year veteran was upset he did not receive any carries in the game. He went unclaimed on waivers.
Last season with the Patriots, Blount rushed for 772 yards on 153 carries, an average of five yards per attempt, and scored seven touchdowns. He rushed for 189 yards against the Bills in the final week of the regular season and followed that up with 166 yards on the ground and four touchdowns against the Colts in the playoffs.
He rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns this season but carried the ball only five times in the Steelers' past two games and did not gain a yard.
To make room on the roster for Blount, the Patriots will cut defensive lineman Casey Walker, according to a source. When that transaction unfolds, assuming there are no unexpected twists, Walker would be eligible to return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
