LeGarrette Blount put together an impressive season with the New England Patriots in 2013 which earned a free agency contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team already had a quality running back in Le'Veon Bell, but thought Blount could help create a dynamic tandem and be effective in short-yardage situations. Blount has not seen a lot of playing time this season and after expressing his frustrations, the running back has been promptly released.
The Steelers announced the release of Blount after he exited the Monday night football game against the Tennessee Titans before the end of the game. According to multiple media reports, Steelers' coaches saw Blount head to the team buses early. Defensive assistant Joey Porter attempted to call Blount back into the locker room several times, but the running back did not respond. He was on the bus before post-game interviews began.
Blount was one of the few running backs to get a multi-year deal in free agency last season. He signed a two-year, $3.85 million contract. He has put up 266 yards rushing and two touchdowns in 11 games this season, but has settle as the barely used backup while Bell continues to handle the majority of the ground game. Despite the drama surrounding his release, there will be several teams interested in acquiring him as a one-year rental in the coming weeks.
The Indianapolis Colts immediately become an option for Blount. The Colts announced that Ahmad Bradshaw would be out the remainder of the season after fracturing his fibula in the loss to the New England Patriots. The veteran running back has yet to be placed on injured reserve, but most assume his season is done. That leaves the Colts with Trent Richardson who is averaging just 3.12 yards per carry.
Some have linked the Colts to Ray Rice who is expected to return to the league following an appeal of his suspension. However, ESPN's Ed Werder says the Colts have no interest in Rice and will look to free agency for help if needed. Blount along with newly released Ben Tate become the best available options to help the team make the playoffs.
The Philadelphia Eagles could be a landing spot. The Eagles' run game has not been what the team has been looking for. LeSean McCoy is not living up to his self-imposed expectations causing the Eagles to be rumored to look at running backs. According to Philly.com, Chip Kelly stands by the production of McCoy, but if the inconsistencies continue, Blount could be an option.
