The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off Wentzday the right way. The team announced the signing of ex-Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal.
#Eagles and RB LeGarrette Blount agree to terms on a one-year deal. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/8m69XCXgGR
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 17, 2017
Blount is coming off a fresh career season in 2016 that saw the 30-year-old running back rush for 1,161 yards over 299 carries for 18 rushing touchdowns with the Patriots.
He joins a Philadelphia backfield unsettled at the position with the potential release of Ryan Mathews looming over their heads as they await for him to be medically cleared. The team also possessed smaller, scat back type of runners in their backfield, so Blount offers that physicality of a runner the team needed.
Blount joins an Eagles offense that finished 11th in total rushing in 2016. The team also finished 10th in total rushing touchdowns. That bodes well for Blount, as he was the Patriots primary scorer running back last season with his 18 touchdowns.
The Eagles are all in with building around Wentz and giving him the proper tools necessary he needs to succeed. The team has invested a ton in the offensive line through the draft and free agency. They’ve provided him with four new passing options in Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson. Now, they’re giving him a running back he can rely on, which is well knowingly a young quarterback’s best friend.
Blount isn’t a stranger to running back by committee groups either. He’s worked with multiple running backs in New England. He originally signed with the Steelers in the 2014 offseason just to be a compliment back to Le’Veon Bell. Their offseason arrest and Blount leaving the field before the end of Steelers victory over the Titans is what returned the veteran to the Patriots.
Blount has rushed for 1,000 yards twice in his career (2016 and 2010, his rookie season). He won’t necessarily be asked to rack up those type of rushing yards either, but picking up the tough 3rd and shorts, and being an enforcer to push the pile in the end zone is a role he brings to the Eagles.
This was a great low-risk/high-reward signing by the Eagles, who are showing they intend on being a threat in the NFC East this season. The team is confident in the upgrades they made on the offense and defense.
The front office is sending a message to the entire team about their confidence in them. They believe this is a playoff roster and they’re making sure to cover all the main needs in order to ensure that thinking.
They may have accomplished that today with Blount. Bravo, Howie.
Mandatory Photo Credits: AP Photo/Charles Krupa
