Patriots Resign LaGarrett Blount 4/12/2016

[BigKen]

WEEI announced at 3:00 PM today that the New England Patriots have resigned LaGarrett Blount to a one year contract. Details were not disclosed.

 

[BigKen]

So that means the Patriots, as of now, will enter the 2016 season with primarily the same backfield as last season, which also means that both of their top running backs are coming off injuries that could impact the upcoming season. Blount's 2015 season was cut short due to a hip injury and Dion Lewis is in the process of recovering from a torn ACL.

The Patriots also signed Donald Brown this offseason, and have James White and Brandon Bolden on the roster, but Blount figures to be depended on -- especially in between the tackles and in short-yardage situations.

Prior to suffering that injury, Blount rushed for 703 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. At 245 pounds, he's a bruiser and, in some ways, a miniature (that word is used lightly) version of Marshawn Lynch. Since 2013, Blount's averaged 4.6 yards per carry and has reached the end zone 18 times.

So, assuming his prior hip injury doesn't affect him by September, he'll clearly play a role in the Patriots' rushing game. When the Patriots acquired tight end Martellus Bennett from the Bears, I highlighted how Bennett, paired alongside Rob Gronkowski, would allow the team to control the trenches. With Bennett and Gronkowksi, the Patriots can basically have two additional offensive linemen on the field.

And that should be an attractive situation for the Patriots' newly signed running back, even if the Patriots figure to frequently air it out with Tom Brady.

 

[Southieinnc]

I'm not thrilled nor shocked that we resigned Blount.
I'd like to see a RB added in the draft but I don't want to see a reach.....

 

[NWPATSFAN]

I'm not thrilled nor shocked that we resigned Blount.
I'd like to see a RB added in the draft but I don't want to see a reach.....

I'm with you. I like Blount but think he's hitting that proverbial RB magic age. He seems to be getting injured and wearing down. If the Pats find a nice replacement for him during the draft that can give him some rest I'm good. No reaching just a good size back, decent blocker, protect the ball and if he can catch it's a plus. NE doesn't need a race horse.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Man this is boring with the RB spot. I am starting to think that Lewis might not be ready and end up on PUP. The only secure RB on this team IMO are Bolden and Lewis. Blount should be a lock at 1m guaranteed. I think it comes down to Brown/White and a rookie. Well.....now that I think about it....In a sense I look at Bolden as a ST guy who will be the emergency RB on game day. We no long have 6 S that play ST. So really only have Blount/Lewis as sure locks for RB.

 

[BigKen]

According to all reports, Lewis is working out everyday and is way ahead of schedule. The ACL tear was not a serious one and needed minor surgery. But we all know that no surgery is minor. Blount had a serious hip pointer and just couldn't run at the end of last season. He's back at full strength. The Patriots signed Brown as a back up in case Blount went somewhere else. He didn't like the first offer from the Patriots but couldn't get a better one so he came back and Belichick changed it from the guaranteed piece to a heavy incentive contract that could earn him $2M. He gets hurt and the contract is toilet paper.

Two running backs that the Patriots will look for in the 6th round are Alex Collins from Arkansas and Kenyon Drake from Alabama. Solid Curtis Martin types who always thrive in New England.

 

[cdumler7]

According to all reports, Lewis is working out everyday and is way ahead of schedule. The ACL tear was not a serious one and needed minor surgery. But we all know that no surgery is minor. Blount had a serious hip pointer and just couldn't run at the end of last season. He's back at full strength. The Patriots signed Brown as a back up in case Blount went somewhere else. He didn't like the first offer from the Patriots but couldn't get a better one so he came back and Belichick changed it from the guaranteed piece to a heavy incentive contract that could earn him $2M. He gets hurt and the contract is toilet paper.

Two running backs that the Patriots will look for in the 6th round are Alex Collins from Arkansas and Kenyon Drake from Alabama. Solid Curtis Martin types who always thrive in New England.

Alex Collins is not making it to the 6th round. Most boards I have seen have him going 3rd round so that would be a dream scenario for him to make it clear to the 6th round. Drake is in that 3rd or 4th round area for most so again I don't see either of those guys available for the Patriots in the 6th.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

According to all reports, Lewis is working out everyday and is way ahead of schedule. The ACL tear was not a serious one and needed minor surgery. But we all know that no surgery is minor. Blount had a serious hip pointer and just couldn't run at the end of last season. He's back at full strength. The Patriots signed Brown as a back up in case Blount went somewhere else. He didn't like the first offer from the Patriots but couldn't get a better one so he came back and Belichick changed it from the guaranteed piece to a heavy incentive contract that could earn him $2M. He gets hurt and the contract is toilet paper.

Two running backs that the Patriots will look for in the 6th round are Alex Collins from Arkansas and Kenyon Drake from Alabama. Solid Curtis Martin types who always thrive in New England.

I think cd may be right? I think a lot of teams are going to panic and RBs start coming off the board earlier then expected. I hope I'm wrong. There are a lot of RBs I like in this draft in certain rounds. I just hope BB doesn't reach for one.

BK who do you see NE taking with their early picks if you have them waiting till the 6th for a RB?

 

[BigKen]

BK who do you see NE taking with their early picks if you have them waiting till the 6th for a RB?

We all know that Belichick never, ever does what anyone suspects he'll do. If I were a bug in his ear, I'd be whispering "Left Offensive Tackle" with #61 and Right Offensive Tackle with #62."

Then I'd be looking for a Jamie Collins clone, just in case he decides to sign with the Jets next year for 6 years $120M with $60M guaranteed.

THEN.....I'd be looking for a running back. I like Kenyon Drake from Arkansas and C.J. Proise from Notre Dame. Just not sure they'll be around.

 

[cdumler7]

I think cd may be right? I think a lot of teams are going to panic and RBs start coming off the board earlier then expected. I hope I'm wrong. There are a lot of RBs I like in this draft in certain rounds. I just hope BB doesn't reach for one.

BK who do you see NE taking with their early picks if you have them waiting till the 6th for a RB?

Teams just seem to love those midrounds (3rd-5th) to really reload at the RB position anymore. A lot cheaper than signing any veteran out there and just work them to death for the 4-years then dump them unless they are a star. Feel bad for these guys but that is the way of the NFL

 

[ohiopatsfan]

Just heard today that the Pats re signed Tyler Gaffney. I am assuming they were able to sign him to a lower cost contract. Also heard that Easley went unclaimed. BB may swoop in and re sign him to a lower cost deal as well.

 

[SDGuy73]

Just heard today that the Pats re signed Tyler Gaffney. I am assuming they were able to sign him to a lower cost contract. Also heard that Easley went unclaimed. BB may swoop in and re sign him to a lower cost deal as well.

N o chance in hell on Easley. The Pats have over $3mil in dead money due to him being released. Why would they add more money by signing him.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Just heard today that the Pats re signed Tyler Gaffney. I am assuming they were able to sign him to a lower cost contract. Also heard that Easley went unclaimed. BB may swoop in and re sign him to a lower cost deal as well.

Wow that locks up the Lombardi for sure

 

[Southieinnc]

Just heard today that the Pats re signed Tyler Gaffney. I am assuming they were able to sign him to a lower cost contract. Also heard that Easley went unclaimed. BB may swoop in and re sign him to a lower cost deal as well.

Nothing but good news on Gaffney. He gets his chance this year.
Easley will be lucky to play with the reports from NE about his attitude. Dude was another of those guys with talent but unable to "walk the walk" He'll never be seen in NE again - unless he goes to Baltimore.....