New England Patriots rumors: LeGarrette Blount return?

 LeGarrette Blount is getting closer to re-signing with the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots are making some huge changes after winning their fifth Super Bowl. They’ve already added Brandin Cooks to their offense and Stephon Gilmore to their defense. Rex Burkhead has been a recent addition as well.

With his addition, the future of free agent running back LeGarrette Blount, who led the Patriots in rushing in 2016, is up in the air. But reportedly, the two sides are getting closer to agreeing to a new contract.

"“I know LeGarrette Blount would like to return to the Patriots,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said, via NFL.com. “I know the Patriots would like him back.”"

Adrian Peterson recently visited New England. However, he left without a contract, which bodes well for Blount. The Patriots have a variety of guys who can do a lot with space. Burkhead’s an excellent special teams player and receiver out of the backfield. James White and Dion Lewis fit the same mold.

However, with Tom Brady getting older, they still need someone to step up and take some carries. The Patriots could employ a running back by committee, though neither of their current trio have experience as a feature back.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best RB of All-Time

Bringing back Blount would make a lot of sense for both sides. The running back hasn’t had much success recently away from New England. He left for the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn’t have much success. Eventually, Blount wound up coming back to the Patriots. New England needs to add a short yardage running back who can help ease the burden on Brady.

However, Blount is over 30 years old and has some miles on his legs. Can he still be effective? This is the question which will determine Blount’s future with the Patriots.