What does the LeGarrette Blount signing mean for the Eagles
In case you missed it, the Philadelphia Eagles signed former New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year deal Wednesday.
With the signing of LeGarrette Blount, it becomes a lot clearer what the Philadelphia Eagles‘ intentions are in the latter half of the offseason.
It’s almost guaranteed that the Eagles will cut Ryan Mathews once he is healthy enough to pass a physical. This also makes it pretty apparent that the Eagles will have a running back by committee this year.
The Eagles’ depth chart prior to the Blount signing didn’t consist of a power back. Darren Sproles, Donnel Pumphrey and Wendell Smallwood are all known for their speed. The Eagles didn’t have a back who can go through the middle and smash the defense in the mouth.
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That’s what Blount is.
He is a touchdown machine. Last year with the New England Patriots, Blount rushed for 18 touchdowns. Even if he is half as productive for the Eagles, he will be a big help.
Philly added Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to open up the field for Carson Wentz in free agency. Adding a power back like Blount is also a major bonus for a young quarterback. When Blount suits up in an Eagles uniform next year, the play-action in the redzone will be a lot more effective than it was a year ago for Wentz.
Blount has played with one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history in Tom Brady. There is not a lot Blount can teach Wentz, but he can give him notes on how to improve a few minor details based on things he learned from playing behind Brady over the last four years.
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The Eagles made it a priority this offseason to help find weapons for Carson Wentz. They were able to do that through free agency and through the draft. The signing of Blount is a short-term deal that gives Wentz a guy to hand the ball off to in the redzone. Just like most of the other signings for the Eagles this year, this is another prove it deal.