The New England Patriots have finally come to terms with veteran running back LeGarrette Blount, as the veteran has signed a one-year deal with the franchise. He did not receive a ton of interest in free agency, as he will turn 30 in December. Blount also suffered an injury that kept him out of the playoffs during the 2015 season.
The running back chipped a bone in his hip but did not require surgery. He has always been a solid fixture in New England and should continue to be the power back in this offense. He will rejoin this Patriots running game that already includes Dion Lewis, Donald Brown, James White, Brandon Bolden and Joey Losefa.
The Patriots have had a busy offseason and have added former Washington Redskins defensive end Frank Kearse, who is only 27 years old, and Chris Long to help bolster this pass rush and provide some depth on the defensive side of the ball. Long was surprisingly released by the Los Angeles Rams to make room for younger talent.
The team also signed wide receiver Nate Washington from the Houston Texans, which will not only add some depth to this wide receiving corps, but also provide solid veteran production. Washington suffered several lingering injuries that kept him off of the field for quite some time. However, he should bounce back with this pass-heavy Patriots offense.
They also acquired free agent running back Donald Brown, even though perennial Patriots running back Blount is still a free agent. New England signed Shea McClellin from the Chicago Bears to help the Patriots stop the run and generate some pressure. McClellin is just one of the many defensive players that the Patriots have picked up during this chaotic free agent period.
The only other linebacker that the Patriots picked up was Ramon Humber from the New Orleans Saints, as he was one of the few bright spots in what was otherwise a struggling defensive unit. Humber is just a depth addition, as the Patriots will be missing a first round pick during the 2016 NFL Draft thanks to their involvement in the Deflategate scandal. New England does have two second round picks and could be looking to take the best player available.
They do need help along the offensive line, and Cody Whitehair or Joshua Garnett could be available for them with one of their second round picks. Running back and wide receiver are also positions of concern, but the Patriots could find solid production from a playmaker such as running backs Derrick Henry or Devontae Booker; even wide receivers such as Braxton Miller or Michael Thomas could present an impressive upgrade to this offense. Re-signing Blount gives the Patriots an excellent boost to this ground game, as they see their favorite power back return for another season.
