Should the Patriots re-sign LeGarrette Blount?

Should the Patriots re-sign LeGarrette Blount? At the beginning of the season, that would have been an absurd question, as New England was flush with a trio of young running backs in Stevan Ridley, Brandon Bolden, and Shane Vereen. Now, due to Ridley's chronic fumbling issues and Vereen's morphing into Kevin Faulk 2.0, the need for another running back was filled admirably by Blount; and Bolden to a lesser extent.

When New England acquired LeGarrette Blount for Jeff Demps and a 7th round draft pick, it was a trade that was met with an approving nod, but not much else.

All the realistic Patriots fans had given up on the pipe dream that was Demps. Everyone had once pinned their hopes to a track star who doubled as a football player and had just one video of him breaking a long run in college.

Blount had potential, as he had one 1,000 yard season (in 2010) but was mostly phased out in 2012 as the arrival of rookie running back Doug Martin spelled the end of the road for Blount. Known as something of a head case, and still only 27, Bill Belichick recognized a potential player looking for a new start.

We shouldn't be surprised at another one of Belichick's successful reclamation projects, but the move should be considered one of the best out of any acquisitions this year.

Blount is only making $630,000 this year before he hits unrestricted free agency. So, if Blount never panned out as a productive running back, the Patriots would only be on the hook for this year only before they could cut bait on him. Also, Blount is approaching an age where running backs tend to break down, so you could make a case that his one year with the Patriots presented an opportunity to get him a long term contract before his skills started to degenerate.

So, what's the call? Any Patriots fan worth his or her salt know you need to be a very special player, not even running back, to be viewed as critical to the team's success. Blount did a good job filling in this year, but his numbers do not blow you away (129 carries, 583 yards and 5 touchdowns through 15 games). Like previously stated, Blount already has some tread on his tires and that always needs to be taken into consideration.

Those are already two reasons not to re-sign him, with two more important reasons to go.

The third reason why Blount will not be suiting up next year is that Bolden is still cheaper to have on your team before Blount demands more money. It doesn't particularly matter where you stand with Bolden, he's a younger and cheaper alternative, two qualities that are paramount with the Patriots' organization.

The final and most important reason coincides with the Belichick's coaching philosophy: "next man up". Blount provided a nice and reliable presence, but the same way Blount's contract worked in favor for us this season also worked against us this coming off-season.

If Blount had a good year this season, he would surely demand the amount of money the Patriots would never spend, while if he had a disappointing year, the Patriots would not re-sign him due to ineffectiveness. It ended up playing out perfectly mostly because of Belichick's unwavering refusal to commit to any easily replaceable position (ie wide receiver and running back).

The last big, bruising back we had was BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who hit the 1,000 yard that season and was picked up by Cincinnati that offseason to the tune of $2.3 million dollars. Green-Ellis seemed like our first legitimate running back since Corey Dillon, but the Patriots next year drafted Stevan Ridley. The Patriots then picked up Brandon Bolden as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Discounting Vereen (who is mostly a receiver now) the Patriots gave up on a surefire running back to form a respectable duo at half the price. And with a contract similar to Green-Ellis due this off-season, it's hard to see the Patriots placing much emphasis on bringing him back. The effort was appreciated in 2013 LeGarrette, but we will not be requiring your services any longer.

Photo via musketfire.com
All contract information via spotrac.com