The Detroit Lions took a huge step to boosting their anemic run game with the signing of free agent running back LeGarrette Blount. The team announced the deal after 10 p.m. on Friday.
It’s a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, per Ian Rapoport, NFL Network insider.
Blount is fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles last month. It was his third Super Bowl championship. He also won two with the New England Patriots (another connection to GM Bob Quinn).
The Lions had the worst run game in the NFL in 2017, averaging 3.4 yards per carry.
Blount appeared in all 16 games (11 starts) for the Eagles in 2017 and finished with 173 carries for 766 yards and two touchdowns, as well as eight receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown.
The 31-year-old running back had a career year in 2016 with the Patriots with 1,161 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Photo courtesy of Detroit Lions
Blount signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2010 out of the University of Oregon. He spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2010-12. Entering his ninth NFL season, his career totals include 116 games (54 starts), 1,341 carries for 5,888 yards and 51 touchdowns, as well as 54 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns. In 11 postseason games (three starts), he has totaled 140 carries for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Also on Friday, the Lions re-signed Zach Zenner to a one-year deal.
Reports were that free agent running backs DeMarco Murray, Jonathan Stewart (who signed with the Giants), Frank Gore and Miles Davis talked also with the Lions.
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