The New England Patriots are known for their draft day deal making, which is why it was no surprise to hear that the team sent running back Jeff Demps to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for running back LeGarrette Blount along with a seventh round draft pick.
According to ESPN.com, the Buccaneers have been trying to trade Blount for some time and after the Patriots offered the seventh-round draft choice (No. 229 overall) and Demps for the back, the team couldn't say no. The Patriots were willing to give away Demps to send him back to the state where he played Florida after the running back said that he wanted to run track and play football at the same time and the team traded him despite giving him a guarantee of $211,000 in a three-year contract last year as a rookie free agent.
Blount slowly became expendable after starring with the Buccaneers in 2010 and rushing for over 1,000 yards, as rookie Doug Martin came in and stole the show. Last season he rushed 41 times for 151 yards and had a tough time getting on the field under Greg Schiano and now he is will Bill Belichick, who has done a good job of remaking failed running backs, including Corey Dillon. Belichick said the team was glad to have Blount in the mix, which includes high producing backs from last season in Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, along with Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington, who serves as a kick return man.
Blount could make his money near the goal line next season and despite the fact that he once punched a player in college, Belichick feels that the fit could work. The Patriots and Bucs will play this season and another piece of intrigue could be with Tim Tebow, as he was released by the NY Jets and could end up with either team.
The Buccaneers drafted Mike Glennon and may want more competition for Josh Freeman, while Belichick loves projects and could see Tebow as a valuable addition to the team. If anyone could figure out how to integrate Tebow into an offense, it would be Belichick.
