In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen veteran running backs Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, and Marshawn Lynch find new homes. However, LeGarrette Blount is still without a job. 
The Lions and Giants are known to be in on Blount, but we can’t help but wonder if there could be other potential fits out there for the player who I consider to be the best running back currently on the market. The PFR staff huddled up on Wednesday to run down possible landing spots for the power back:
- Giants – The Giants have been connected to Blount for some time now and the interest is said to be mutual. The Giants are looking for a bruising running back to complement Paul Perkins and Blount, presumably, wants to join a potential contender, so it’s a solid match. Eli Manning‘s 2016 struggles are well documented, but a well-balanced offense would help him find Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall as much as possible.
- Lions – On paper, the Lions should have had a strong running game with Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick leading the way. Unfortunately, injuries cost both players significant time last year and rookie Dwayne Washington didn’t set the world on fire when given the opportunity. Zach Zenner had some flashes of brilliance, but the lesson learned here is that you can never have enough depth. Blount would be a great counter balance to Abdullah’s speed and Riddick’s reception focused game and he could be called on as the No. 1 guy if the injury bug strikes again.
- Packers – Running back was a clear need for the Packers heading into the draft, but they did not select a top RB from this year’s deep pool of talent. Now, they need running backs even more after releasing Christine Michael and Don Jackson earlier this week. WR-turned-RB Ty Montgomery figures to be the lead guy in Green Bay, but the Packers could use some experience behind him. It’s not clear if the Packers have reached out to Blount’s reps yet, but they should.
- Ravens – You might have missed it in the midst of the free agency frenzy, but the league suspended Kenneth Dixon for the first four games of the season after a PED policy violation. The Ravens can use free agent pickup Danny Woodhead as their lead back in the opening month, but it would make sense to add some depth along with Javorius Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro, and Terrance West, particularly since Woodhead missed the majority of last season.
- Dolphins – The Dolphins aren’t an obvious fit, but it’s possible that they could be in the market for a running back if Damien Williams continues to stay away from the team. The downside here is that Jay Ajayi is the clear No. 1 guy and Blount would have to fight Kenyan Drake for carries. In a scenario where Miami signs Blount and Williams is eventually brought back into the fold, there would be even less work to go around.
- Chiefs – After moving on from Charles, the Chiefs might want to add some veteran help to a depth chart featuring Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, and rookie Kareem Hunt. C.J. Spiller currently projects as the RB4, but he hasn’t been able to stick with a team in some time.
- Redskins – The Redskins are shopping Matt Jones and that could free up a spot for someone like Blount. The Redskins have four other backs in Rob Kelley, Chris Thompson, Keith Marshall, and Mack Brown, but there are no superstars in the bunch.
- Eagles – Ryan Mathews is scheduled to carry a $5MM cap number in 2017 and the Eagles can wipe $4MM of that off of the books by cutting him. Releasing the speedy but aging Darren Sproles would also yield $4MM in savings with zero dead money. At this stage of the offseason, Blount would represent a much cheaper option than either guy. Beyond Sproles and Mathews, there’s not much experience between Wendell Smallwood, Byron Marshall, Terrell Watson, and fourth-round pick Donnel Pumphrey.
Connor Byrne and Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.
He’ll go cash out in Cleveland
The packers selected not 1, not 2, but THREE running backs in the draft. My mind is blown that your research is so that nonexistent. Wow.
Misprint. Meant to say that they didn’t select a top RB. Its been fixed.
Bad day Packerfan215..?
relax
It’s doubtful the Packers are a fit. They drafted 3, along with the usual assortment of UDFAs.
I feel the lions are fine too. They have three decent options at running back with Abdullah as the #1 and speed back, Riddick as the receiving back, and Zenner as the ground and pound/goal line, along with having Washington as decent developmental depth.
I like Blount and he is definitely an above average back, but I don’t know how he would fit with four running backs who all showed decently well when they were healthy and played.
I would take Blount over Dwayne Washington any day on this roster. I’m fine with Abdullah leading the way but having Blount there will be nice insurance. Zenner showed flashes but also disappeared just as fast. Next year the lions could pick a guy like Nick Chubb or even Watley from Iowa. Good talent in next years crop of rb.
I wouldn’t count the pats out yet yes they have a boat load of RB’s but injuries and bad plays could bring him back
Yeah my thoughts exactly. Bolden isn’t a real RB, Foster might get cut, and Lewis will be hurt by week 6.
That’s if Lewis makes the team
If Packers signed Blount they’d lose a comp pick. Everyone knows how much Ted cherishes those comp picks.
TT (or any team) could just wait until after the compensatory selection window closes next week, though. I want to say that it passes on 5/11.
Philly has question marks at RB but I do not want to see them sign this clown.
Why are you so sure he won’t resign with the Pats?
Loaded at RB. Suppose they can’t be ruled out entirely, but it might take an injury or a really disappointing showing in practice from someone. He might want to sign somewhere before that materializes.
Philly should cut the man made of glass, Mr Ryan Mathews and save 4million. And send Sproles with him for a total of 8 million. They need the cap room for a star WR and others as soon as Wentz game takes off. Sign Blount as a complement to the smaller W. Smallwood and Donnel Pumphrey.
That was one of the most idiotic things I’ve ever heard. They DID sign a big time receiver, in fact 2 of them. They need to sign a CB