NFL free agency update: LeGarrette Blount signs with Lions

LeGarrette Blount is onto his third team in as many years, which might mean a Super Bowl for the Detroit Lions.

Fun fact: the last two teams LeGarrette Blount played for won the Super Bowl. He was with the New England Patriots two years ago when they overcame a 28-3 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons and was with the Philadelphia Eagles this past season.

Matt Patricia was also in both of those Super Bowls — once with Blount and once going against him. Now he’s hoping the third time is indeed the charm and Blount can help lead the Detroit Lions to the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl.

It’s a tall order, but Blount does add a great dynamic to the Lions offense. Matthew Stafford — despite his massive contract — is underrated in the eyes of national media. Even when Calvin Johnson was his top receiver, Stafford hasn’t commanded the respect of Aaron Rodgers or Matt Ryan. With Blount, he has a beastly running back to use in certain situations and adds a variable he hasn’t had before to his arsenal.

Contract details

Blount landed just a one-year deal, but it will pay him $4.5 million — which is a lot. That’s the type of respect he’s earned and the Lions are betting on his mercenary ways paying off.

National reaction

Next: 2018 NFL Free Agent Tracker

Grade

He’s not going to be a lead back, but the Lions don’t need him to be. ALready Detroit seemed to be going with a running back by committee, and Blount’s specialties will allow for Ameer Abdullah to possibly flourish. It’s a lot of money for a guy who won’t be your top option out of the backfield, but Blount adds a veteran leader to a locker room that could very well compete for a Super Bowl this year.

Grade: B-