The Eagles have made it official. Veteran running back LeGarrette Blount has signed his one-year contract with the team, according to an official announcement. With the Eagles roster already at full capacity, a corresponding roster move had to be made..and that move came in the way of waiving DT Charles Walker.
Official.
Welcome to Philly, @LG_Blount! #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/FIg3rUea4Z
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 18, 2017
Roster Move: #Eagles have officially signed RB LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal and have waived/injured DT Charles Walker (knee).
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 18, 2017
Walker has sparked plenty of debate over the last few months, with character concerns haunting his draft stock.
In 2015, Walker amassed career highs in sacks (6.0), tackles for a loss (10.0) and tackles (36). His breakout year did not go unnoticed, as he was named Second-team All-Big 12.
The 6’2, 310 lbs, pass rusher racked up 53 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble and 5 passes defensed during his time as a Sooner..a career that ultimately ended in controversy.
Walker decided to cut his career short at Oklahoma in order to prepare for the Draft. Although he was one of the top defensive tackle talents coming into 2016, he went undrafted due to a combination of this, some character concerns, and numerous concussions. Having also suffered with depression, Walker looked set to bounce back at the next level with a chip on his shoulder and earn his stripes in the City of Brotherly Love. An apparent foot injury has cut that dream short, meaning Walker will be looking for a new home in the NFL, opening the door for a veteran running back to make an impact.
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.
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
