Free-agent running back LeGarrette Blount signed with the New England Patriots today after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the week, ESPN reports.
Blount signed a two year deal worth the veteran minimum plus incentives. NFL players with four to six years of experience earn roughly $730 thousand on the veteran minimum.
Blount rushed for 772 yards and seven touchdowns with a 5.0 yards per carry average for the Patriots in 2013. He signed a two-year, $3.85 million deal with Pittsburgh in March but was released for leaving the field before the game had ended on Sunday.
The 247-pound ball carrier will join a crowded New England backfield. The Patriots have pass-catching specialist Shane Vereen as the current lead back. They also have Jonas Gray, who scored four touchdowns and rushed for over 200 yards against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. Additionally, Brandon Bolden and rookie James White are on the roster, though Bolden and Vereen are free agents after this season and injured running back Stevan Ridley is still recovering from a torn ACL.
Blount had carried the ball 65 times for 266 yards (4.1) and two touchdowns with the Steelers this season.
ESPNBoston.com reporter Mike Reiss weighed in on the signing.
"It seems fair to say that Blount is the type of player who might fit best when he needs you more than you need him," Reiss wrote. "His solid work for the Patriots in 2013 came when he was trying to revive his career. He's at a similar point now."
