LeGarrette Blount sees big things on the horizon. After getting released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the week, the running back has signed back on with the New England Patriots, a team he has four plenty of success with. Blount found himself sitting on the free agent market after the unexpected release from the team, but the Patriots immediately picked him up on a two-year deal and plan to use him right away.
Blount returns to the Patriots after spending all of 2013 with the team following a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Blount rushed for over 800 yards that season including a four-touchdown game in the playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts. That earned him a multi-year deal in free agency, but things went sour and he is now back with the Patriots.
New England's interest in Blount comes after overnight star Jonas Gray rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns against the Colts on Sunday. The move was somewhat surprising considering the Patriots also have Shane Vereen, Brandon Boldin and rookie James White on the roster as well. However, the plan is to continue with Gray, hoping he can continue his strong start.
"I wasn't necessarily surprised," Gray said, via ESPN.com. "In this business, not a whole lot surprises me, especially given where I've come from. I just prepare the same way -- it doesn't matter who we sign or who we bring here. I believe in Bill [Belichick] and whatever he's doing. The guys here have nothing but good things to say about him. I'm excited, man. I think it's going to be something good for us. For a team, what we want to do long-term, when these cold-weather games start coming up, I think it's going to help."
Blount could immediately be used in short-yardage situations for the Patriots. He has proven he can be very successful in the team's style of offense and will not have too much of a learning curve in his return. Gray was not the only Patriots teammate happy to have the running back in the locker room. Vince Wilfork praised the pickup knowing what Blount has to offer.
"That's a funny one, huh?" not-small man Vince Wilfork said, via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. "I didn't know if he was a new offensive lineman or new long snapper or what, but it's good to see him back here. He knows how we do things around here. He's helped us in the past. Hopefully he can pick up where he left off."
