Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that teams interested in free agent RB LeGarrette Blount are vetting a contract structure that would navigate the compensatory pick calculation.
Basically, teams are trying to figure out a way to sign Blount without it impacting their 2018 compensatory picks.
Last night, Ian Rapoport reported that had the Patriots not used the May 9 tender on Blount, he likely would have signed by now, as there were “at least” two teams poised to sign him to a contract.
Unfortunately for Blount, this tender ensures that any team signing him to a contract between now and July 22 would impact their 2018 compensatory formula.
Blount could make up to $2.1 million for the 2017 season under this tender by reaching incentives. However, Jeff Howe reports that Blount has no plans to sign the Patriots’ tender at the moment.
Nick Korte of OverTheCap.com takes an in-depth look at the impact of signing Blount for a few teams that have been linked to him in recent weeks.
It’s worth mentioning that the Giants, Ravens and Lions have both come up as potential landing spots for Blount in recent weeks.
Blount, 30, originally signed on with the Titans as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon back in 2010. He was unable to make the Titans’ 53-man roster during his rookie season but was later claimed off of waivers by the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay elected to trade Blount to the Patriots in return for Jeff Demps and a late-round pick after three years. Blount had a brief stint with the Steelers before he was cut loose during the 2013 season and later re-signed by the Patriots.
Last year, the Patriots brought Blount back on a one-year, $760,000 contract.
In 2016, Blount rushed for 1,161 yards on 299 carries (3.9 YPC) to go along with 18 rushing touchdowns and seven receptions for 38 yards receiving. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 39 running back out of 62 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Blount and where he could end up as the news is available.
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