NFL Rumors: New England Patriots to offer LeGarrette Blount around million per season?
By Bryan Rose
The New England Patriots have openly expressed their desire to retain free agent running back LeGarrette Blount. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer tailback, who experienced a coming out party during the final few weeks of the regular season which continued into the postseason has also stated he’d like to return to the Patriots.
Perfect match? Well, maybe.
Blount is looking for a pretty solid payday – something the Patriots may not be willing to pony up as the Boston Herald reports they believe New England will only give Blount a deal worth $2 million dollars over the course of two seasons.
"They offered Danny Woodhead close to the minimum last year, and he was more valuable to them than Blount over the long haul. If Blount re-signs, he’ll have to be the highest paid running back on the roster (Stevan Ridley’s rookie deal is four years for $3 million), but it can’t be by much. Don’t expect the Pats to offer much more than $2 million over two years."
Blount isn’t an every down back and struggles in the passing game, which is why the Patriots aren’t willing to commit more salary. That said, it’s hard to imagine a team not willing to offer more than an annual million dollar salary in free agency.