Legarrette Blount finally has a deal. The running back has been stuck in free agent purgatory for some time, which was surprising considering how strong of a season he had in 2016. Eventually, however, a team was bound to snap him up, one way or another. That team proved to be the Philadelphia Eagles, who decided to bring him in on a short-term deal on Tuesday to shore up the team's rushing attack for the 2017 season.
One-year deal for Blount
Early on Tuesday morning, the Eagles announced their one-year deal with Blount on their Twitter page. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they weren't the only team showing interest in the running back; the Arizona Cardinals were considering him as well.
Several members of his new team took to Twitter to showcase their excitement over having a workhorse running back in the backfield for the next season.
The deal is reportedly worth up to $2.8 million, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson. The base value of the contract will be $1.25 million, with Blount eligible to earn up to $1.55 million in incentives. He recorded 18 rushing touchdowns last season, which was the most in seven years for any NFL player (Adrian Peterson, 2009). He also ran for 1,161 yards. The Eagles are likely pleased to have a power-running back to add to a stable that has been in constant flux since the trade of LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills.
Analyzing Eagles fit
For the Eagles, the signing of Blount may be a twofold mission.
On one hand, he's meant to be a safety blanket to still-developing quarterback Carson Wentz. The offseason has been all about adding weapons to his arsenal, especially at the wide receiver position. A solid, power running back will give Wentz a handoff option and also ensure that more pressure will have to come from the middle, minimizing the impact of blind side pass rushers on the edge.
The other purpose is simply to improve the running game. While Blount wanted to return to New England -- and was nearly set to do under an unusual designation in the collective bargaining agreement -- he'll be of great use in Philadelphia. The status of Ryan Mathews is a major question mark after neck surgery. The team signed Corey Clement following the draft.
Blount can now assume the role of the lead back in a running back corps that could sorely use one. So long as the 30-year old holds up, the team will likely have a productive bargain at one of the sport's most undervalued positions.