Where Will LeGarrette Blount End Up Next?

Photo Credit: USA Today

On Tuesday, running back LeGarrette Blount was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most believe that his release was caused by his bad attitude. After Monday night’s game, Blount left the game early to head for the team bus. It has been said that the reason behind his early departure was his frustration with the team for not giving him any carries that night.

In the Steelers defense, second year back Le’Veon Bell did have 204 yards rushing on 33 carries, so Blount was not needed at all. It was obvious that Blount was not wanted in Pittsburgh and perhaps he didn’t want to be in Pittsburgh, so both parties have decided to move on. Pittsburgh will carry on with Bell as the number one back. He’s basically the only back right now, as rookie Dri Archer has registered eight carries on the year. Blount on the other hand will surely look to sign somewhere else to keep his career going, although his character issues will surely be called into question. Let’s take a look at some teams that may be interested in adding the veteran back:

First off, and maybe the most fitting in most people’s eyes, is a return to the New England Patriots. Although statistically Blount had his best year while a rookie for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his most impressive and important year came with the Pats. Although Blount was buried in the backfield early in the season, he emerged as perhaps their most effective runner later in the year. He ended the season with 772 yards rushing on 153 attempts while averaging five yards per carry. In the Patriots season finale, Blount carried the ball 24 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He continued his spectacular play into the playoffs. In their divisional round matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, he rushed for 166 yards and four touchdowns! More than anything, the absence of personal problems while in New England was the most impressive part. Considering the Patriots lost Stevan Ridley for the year, they might look into him again. Yes, Jonas Gray just had his best game of his career and the best by any running back in the NFL in 2014, but there’s no way he can keep it up. Shane Vereen is great but he is only a three down back at best. Considering his history in New England, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see him back. However, on the flip side, why mess with an offense on such a roll?

The next option is the Denver Broncos. Now, before I get into the actual statistics of things, let’s just take a minute to consider how Blount may see this opportunity. He gets to play against a defense that is constantly playing loose to defend the pass. More than that, marijuana is legal in Denver and as much as I hope that wouldn’t be a reason for him to go to Denver, I fear it might be. Now, in all seriousness, the Broncos could use a back like Blount. They have CJ Anderson and undrafted rookie Juwan Thompson, but with injuries to their two best backs (Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman), the Broncos are thin at running back. Sources for Denver have said that they will not try to bring Blount in because there’s not enough time to learn the Broncos complex system, but if Anderson can’t keep them afloat in the run game, they might be forced to make an emergency call.

Lastly, come the Indianapolis Colts. They are in dire need of a running back. Trent Richardson is not exactly the number one back that most thought he would be. He struggles to see the field well and is not quick enough to escape defenders at the line of scrimmage. There wasn’t really a need for a running back before considering Ahmad Bradshaw, who was acting as a perfect number one back with Richardson as the handcuff. However, with Bradshaw out for the year, Richardson is now the only healthy running back. Although Blount and Richardson are pretty similar backs and would not be put together in an ideal backfield, the Colts need a running back now if they want to maintain a playoff spot. Andrew Luck can’t do it by himself and considering Blount is the most talented available, he makes the most sense for the Colts.