MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: LeGarrette Blount
The list running backs visiting the Detroit Lions keeps growing, with LeGarrette Blount next up on Friday.
As they look to bolster the NFL’s worst rushing offense from last year, the Detroit Lions have had or will have DeMarco Murray, Jonathan Stewart and Frank Gore in for visits this week. But maybe the fourth time is set to be the charm with a veteran running back, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported LeGarrette Blount will be coming to Detroit for a visit on Friday.
After leading the league in rushing touchdowns for the New England Patriots in 2016, with 18, Blount was part of another backfield timeshare with the Philadelphia Eagles and had just two rushing scores last season. But he did bring his yards per carry average back over 4.0, to 4.4.
When Blount was a free agent last offseason, it was easy to tie him to the Lions. General manager Bob Quinn worked for the Patriots from 2000-2015, of course including 2013-2015 when Blount was also there. A year later Detroit’s need for a running back still exists, and it’s not surprising Blount has resurfaced on their radar.
A report from Mike Jones of USA Today suggested the Lions are close to a deal with Gore. But Schefter points to a process that will continue and perhaps end with Blount, the fourth of four veteran running backs to come in for a visit. At this point only Stewart has been signed among the first three to visit Detroit, as he got a deal from the New York Giants. It’s worth noting Adrian Peterson is also available after being cut by the Arizona Cardinals, but there has been no buzz surrounding interested teams.
Blount fits the age group of running backs the Lions are focusing on, at 31 years old. He has proven to be a capable goal line back/late-game clock grinder, and that’s a role Detroit needs to fill.