According to NFL.com, the New England Patriots have brought back a fan favorite, signing RB LeGarrette Blount to a one-year contract.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the deal is for $760,000 plus bonuses and incentives.
Blount, 29, was an important weapon out of the backfield for New England last season until a hip injury shelved him for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs. Blount rushed for 703 yards in 12 games with the Patriots.
Blount had been especially effective for New England in 2013 before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But following a controversial departure from the Steelers midway through the 2014 season, Blount returned to New England and helped lead the team to a win over Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. He rushed for 40 yards in the Super Bowl.
New England’s running game, besieged by injuries, was particularly ineffective last year, forcing much of the burden on Tom Brady and New England’s passing game. The Patriots were 30th out of 32 teams in the NFL in rushing in 2015 and were last in rushing yards per game in the postseason.
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