Blount Re-Signs with Patriots

I see no change in the picture, which means our running game keeps mediocre.

I like it. Was expected IMO.

I still would like to re-sign Tarell Brown for Vet. Min. money, but besides that, this Free Agency period looks like a wrap. Bill totally killed it. No doubt the best FA of any team in the NFL.

We're onto the Draft...

KontradictioN said:

Did they cancel the draft?

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Just for the Pats.


I'm sure the other 31 and Roger would do it if they could get away with it.


As for Blount, I am underwhelmed by this signing and could easily see him being the odd man out and not even making the team.

Treads getting bare on those tires.

aluminum seats said:

Still closer to dire than not, I think....still hoping for multiple RB picks.

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How many RB do you want ?

Blount will likely make it.
Lewis will make it.
One Draftee will likely make it.
Bolden will make it (as a ST guy and emergency RB).

And one of White/Brown will likely make it. Maybe they could draft another receiving type later in the draft to compete with this uninspiring pair.

But one Day Two RB should be plenty to go with Blount, Lewis and the others.

Meh. Literally no other RBs left, so this was bound to happen.

Do they not see a running game beneficial to prolonging Brady's career? Between the line and JMD's playcalling or lack thereof (running plays), going with Blount and Brown and maybe Lewis? With a 39 year old QB? Really hoping for a rookie to take charge of the position.

Blount needs to prove himself this year or he will be done...hopefully he will be healthy for the whole season.

borg said:

coming off hip surgery

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swing and a miss

This can't be any kind of surprise.

I felt that Blount was slow and lazy in the end last year and I don't know how much guilt the injury has on it.

Still, he probably came cheap and, considering we will draft a RB early to eventually become our leading back, he adds some beef in the back.

patsinthesnow said:

Blount
Booker/Dixon/Williams/Taylor
Lewis
White
Develin

Boom

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No list that has James White (or Blount for that matter) on it should end in Boom.

I believe Brown will almost certainly make it over White. Still not worthy of a Boom, more like an eh....mm.....ok......I hope.

I didn't like much in Blount's game last year. He always has looked slow, but last year he didn't balance out that perception with long runs. In the past, we could expect him to bust out a couple long runs a game...last year he was nothing but junk..maybe it was the terrible offensive line? I don't know.

BelichickFan said:

How many RB do you want ?

Blount will likely make it.
Lewis will make it.
One Draftee will likely make it.
Bolden will make it (as a ST guy and emergency RB).

And one of White/Brown will likely make it. Maybe they could draft another receiving type later in the draft to compete with this uninspiring pair.

But one Day Two RB should be plenty to go with Blount, Lewis and the others.

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I'm not saying draft multiple RBs and automatically throw 'em on the roster, but I think it's pretty important to hit on a good rookie, so I would hope for a double dip.

Others more attuned to the draft than me say this is an uninspiring draft for running backs, so not sure how that affects the calculations, really...draft several to increase % of getting a good one, or don't do that because they'll all suck. Who knows. Still an area of need though.

varjao said:

I see no change in the picture, which means our running game keeps mediocre.

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I still see RB as the top priority for the remainder of the offseason but I like the signing. And if Blount is really motivated and realizes his career now at stake there's a chance he busts his ass and comes in in great shape and has a really good season. That said I wouldn't count on it and think they should try to find their starter in a few weeks. Lewis will get most of the reps on passing downs and should see a lot of action in two TE sets and the no huddle offense but a good rookie back would fill out the unit.

This is a insurance move only IMO. Maybe we draft a guy and he stinks or an injury happens. At this point hes JAG. Generally underwhelming and will flash the occasional good run.

Ideally he is beaten off the roster with a between the tackles back. I appreciate his service his but i would prefer if we have seen his last runs in a Patriots uniform.

BelichickFan said:

I would replace White with "Brown or White". I think there will be competition there.

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are alfred blue or silas redd available? maybe welcome back jonas gray, as well....

2 playoff games versus the Colts:

54 rushes 314 yards, 7 TDs

Blount is a good back, he has been solid ever since he arrived (then left and came back) in NE. Good move, figured it was coming once Gaffney got cut.

I am curious who people want to cut at RB/FB and how many you want to carry.

Lewis is the #1 lock of course.
Bolden backs up everything and is a STs key cog.
White showed very well last year. People forgot he good he played in the 2nd half. He looked better than Vereen did here and he is cheap for 2 more years. Also with the injury history of Lewis do you want to let him walk?
Develin is a possible cut but Josh McDaniels loves fullbacks so i don't see it and he allows the Pats to do some interesting things.

Not counting blunt which of these guys do you want to cut and which do you actually see being cut?

FreeTedWilliams said:

2 playoff games versus the Colts:

54 rushes 314 yards, 7 TDs

Blount is a good back, he has been solid ever since he arrived (then left and came back) in NE. Good move, figured it was coming once Gaffney got cut.

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That is impressive but the Colts are the VJ of NFL run defense.

borg said:

Knowing how serious NE is in wanting to upgrade its running attack, I am relieved that the Patriots are bring back their upright running, low acceleration, 2 down starter coming off hip surgery. I can feel the LBs of the AFC East trembling as I post this
.
.
baaaaarrrrrffffffffff
.
.
Better get a new ice machine for Brady's arm………and maybe a sewing kit to keep it attached.
Get ready for 2 yard increments of Blount Force Trauma

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Not sure who is available right that is a better option than Blount. I don't think the RB situation is worse today than yesterday. I don't expect this move to do much to change draft strategy.

I think this team is more equipped to play a game with this roster than any other team in the NFL.

LG!! LG!!

Good to have him back in the fold, he knows the offense and knows what is expected in this franchise. Pretty confident the contract is low risk..

No driving around with Le'Veon Bell though!!!