Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, citing league sources, reports that the Lions and Giants are “squarely in play” in for free agent RB LeGarrette Blount now that the draft has ended.
Robinson mentions that both the Lions and Giants are looking for a bell-cow running back capable of handling early down and short-yardage carries for them in 2017.
Detroit didn’t come away from the draft with a running back and the Giants could still use someone like Blount to lean on in certain situations.
Of the two, Robinson says that the Lions may be the best fit for him, considering that he would bring a different dimension to their rushing attack. Plus, Lions GM Bob Quinn is familiar with Blount from his time in New England.
As for the Giants, they’ve been linked to Blount for a few months now, but are clearly being patient about the situation.
The expectation right now, according to Robinson, is that Blount will find a new team in the next few days.
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 have him featured in our Top 50 Available Free Agents list.
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