Both Ben Tate and LeGarrette Blount earned multi-year contracts in free agency last year despite the overall weakness of the market. Most backs were only inking one-year contracts with teams despite coming off career-high numbers. Both Tate and Blount were ready for increased responsibilities, but after a failure to handle them both backs are now back on the free agent market after getting released on Tuesday.
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of Tate and Blount respectively. Tate came to the Browns after being a backup to Arian Foster in Houston. He was expecting to be the starting running in a rotation that also featured two rookies, but a knee injury knocked him out for several weeks allowing the two rookies to flourish in his place. When Tate returned healthy, the Browns were content with only giving him a few carries per game. Tate publically voice his frustrations and was simply released.
Blount was signed by the Steelers to be a change-of-pace running back with Le'Veon Bell. However, an early arrest of marijuana possession along with locker room issues has Blount once again searching for a team. Both Tate and Blount could be quality pickups for teams searching for the postseason. Could the Atlanta Falcons be one of them.
The Falcons announced on Tuesday that running back Antone Smith was placed on injured reserve after breaking his leg in the win over Carolina. Smith had five touchdowns to his name this season and was a big playmaker on the offense and on special teams. He leaves a big hole on the field despite only getting a handful of snaps per game. With Smith out, the Falcons have to put their faith in Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman. None of those three running backs have seen much success this season as the Falcons have one of the worst run games in the league. Getting Tate or Blount could help change that. If the Falcons feel wide receiver Drew Davis is not healthy enough to get on the field, they might put in an offer.
The Indianapolis Colts could be a real contender for one of the two running backs. They lost Ahmad Bradshaw for the year and now have just Trent Richardson. NFL.com reports the Colts have their eyes on Tate as they aim to get deep into the postseason. Adding another back for Richardson will help the offense and Andrew Luck. Teams will make claims on Tate and Blount. They are too talented to be sitting for long.