LeGarrette Blount and the New England Patriots have mutual interest in continuing their relationship, but the veteran running back may end up having to find a new home if he sticks to his current salary demands.
Mike Reiss of ESPN.com speculates that the Patriots have held visits with veteran running backs like Adrian Peterson and Mike Gillislee because they are preparing to have to replace Blount. With a deep draft class at tailback, Bill Belichick is not going to stray from his recent approach of using minimal salary cap space on his backfield, especially with Blount being 30.
Blount made $1 million last season with the Patriots, and he enjoyed by far his best season as a pro. He rushed for 1,161 yards and scored an NFL-best 18 rushing touchdowns. You can understand why Blount wants to be compensated for that production, but there’s a reason he remains unsigned.
All indications to this point have been that the Patriots want Blount back, despite some wild rumors we have heard about them acquiring a superstar back. But, as Reiss said, there’s no way New England is going to overpay for an aging back just because he had one great season. With how much time has already passed in free agency, the Pats have all the leverage.
