Vikings free agency 2017: What running backs are available?
By Adam Patrick
LeGarrette Blount
- 30-years-old
- 6-foot-1, 245 pounds
2016 stats (in 16 games with the New England Patriots):
- 299 carries, 1,161 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns
- 7 catches, 38 receiving yards, 2 fumbles
Likely the last free-agent scheduled to be available in March that could step in as a starter for Minnesota in 2017 if the team moves on from Peterson, Blount is coming off a career year in which he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and won his second Super Bowl with the Patriots .
If the Vikings are looking to add back that still allows Jerick McKinnon to see plenty of time on the field next season, Blount may be the guy for Minnesota to consider. Given that he has never had more than 15 catches in a single-season during his seven-year career, he has been able to stay in the NFL because of bruising ability to rush the ball at a productive level.
He has had a couple of issues off the field during his time in the league, but nothing in the past two seasons with New England so his risk level is not as high as it used to be. If the Vikings end up looking for a new starting running back in free-agency this offseason, Blount could end up being one of the cheaper options available.