The offseason additions of Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead to the New England running back depth chart had many assuming that LeGarrette Blount's time as a Patriot may have come to an end.
Coming off a career-year, including a franchise-record and NFL-best 18 rushing TDs, Blount remains unsigned.
According to the Boston Globe, and others, the Patriots placed a rarely-used, free-agent tender on Blount this week. The tender not only keeps the door open for a return to New England but also ensures that the Patriots could get a compensatory draft pick if Blount signs with another team.
The Globe also passes along word that former Patriots short-term receiver Michael Floyd has signed with the Vikings, though after the customary compensatory pick deadline.
Boston Herald *columnist Ron Borges writes about the recent revelations by Patriots and Dolphins Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti that the long-time linebacker is dealing with brain issues. The *Herald notes that a ton of Patriots were in attendance at last night’s Celtics home playoff win.
The Boston Herald also breaks down the Patriots use of the “rare tender” with Blount. The running back reportedly doesn't plan to sign the tender at this point.
The Providence Journal *passes along word that Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich will host the world premiere of the documentary “D-Day: Over Normandy” on May 27 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. The film is narrated by Bill Belichick. The *ProJo has its Blount take.
ESPNBoston.com predicts that stability with the Patriots could bring out the best in cornerback Stephon Gilmore. ESPNBoston.com says that New England protected its interests with the tender offer to Blount. ESPNBoston.com passes along tryout trick-shot kicker Josh Grable talking about his work last week in New England.
ESPN brought word of the Blount tender, that had been first reported by rumor site ProFootballTalk.com.
NFL.com ranks the best offenses in football heading into 2017, with the Patriots earning the No. 1 spot. NFL.com has a story on the Blount tender situation.
The Sporting News looks at how the Patriots are “enjoying the best offseason of the Bill Belichick era.” The Sporting News also wonders if New England pulled “a fast one” with the Blount tender offer.
NESN.com's series of previews around Patriots positional battles moves on to the slot cornerback spot. The site also broke down the fight for starting roles at linebacker.
