LeGarrette Blount signs with Pittsburgh Steelers
LeGarrette Blount against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers really want to sign a top No. 2 running back to supplement rookie standout Le’Veon Bell, who is unquestionably the team’s feature back going into the 2014 season. They always showed the most interest in former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers back LeGarrette Blount despite also being linked to Maurice Jones-Drew, who signed with the Oakland Raiders. Blount looked like the best option for the Steelers organization, and the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson reports that they have indeed signed him.
Per Wilson, Blount’s deal is for two years, and that’s about in-line for a player of his age and caliber, especially since running backs are expendable. After being in the doghouse in Tampa due to Greg Schiano, who hated Blount for no single reason, he resurrected his career in Foxboro last season after a cheap offseason trade. The Patriots were rewarded wit ha running back who showed improvement with his power, as Blount ran with lower pad level and finally played up to his size in short-yardage situations. He is a sneaky-elusive player, and a perfect complement to Bell overall.
Blount also received interest from the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, and it was interesting to see the Ravens significant interest in him. The Patriots were never a truly big threat to re-sign Blount, but the Steelers did have to beat out two solid teams. They definitely needed a No. 2 back, and Blount is a great addition who furthers the Steelers solid offseason haul.