There was a time when LeGarrette Blount was willing to tell anyone who would listen that he hoped to spend the remainder of his career in New England. After putting together an 18-touchdown season in 2016, though, the best offer out there for the free-agent running back was somewhere else.
The Eagles announced on Wednesday that Blount, 30, has agreed to a new contract to join them in Philadelphia. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the deal is for one year and worth a maximum of $2.8 million. The Giants and Cardinals also had offers in to Blount, per Rapoport.
"LeGarrette Blount is a tough, physical runner who has enjoyed a great deal of success in New England and we are excited about adding him to this football team," Eagles GM Howie Roseman said in a statement. "We feel good about the depth and competition that we have created at the running back position and we are looking forward to getting the guys out on the field next week for OTAs."
Blount joins a stable of backs in Philly that includes smaller runners like Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and rookie Donnel Pumphrey. If the team is looking for a between-the-tackles hammer, Blount is the early favorite to be their best option.
The Patriots applied the May 9 tender to Blount (1,161 yards on 299 carries in 2016) last week, but the 6-foot, 250-pound back did not sign. By issuing the tender, the Patriots retained the ability to have Blount count toward their compensatory pick formula in 2018 if he signed elsewhere.
In New England, there is depth to absorb Blount's loss. The team signed Mike Gillislee as a restricted free agent and Rex Burkhead as an unrestricted free agent earlier this offseason. James White and Dion Lewis will also compete for work in the Patriots backfield.
Brandon Bolden and DJ Foster are also on the running-back depth chart, as is undrafted rookie LeShun Daniels Jr. Daniels is the heaviest back on the roster -- not including fullback James Develin (6-3, 255) -- at 6-feet, 225 pounds.