The Detroit Lions had their eyes fixed on a veteran running back this free agent period. On Friday, they agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with back-to-back Super Bowl champion LeGarrette Blount.
Lions bring fantasy power to the run game with LeGarrette Blount
The former Philadelphia Eagles rusher signed a one-year deal for $2 million to join the Lions’ backfield. We break down the fantasy impact.
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The Lions visited with veteran rushers Frank Gore and DeMarco Murray before signing Blount. The eight-year back joins Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah in the Lions’ backfield. He also reunites with former New England staffer, now Lions head coach, Matt Patricia.
Blount brings a wealth of experience to the Lions’ running game. He is two years removed from a monster season in New England where he rushed for a career-high 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns on 299 carries. His numbers trailed off in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Blount still managed to gain 766 yards on 173 carries.
Fantasy impact: Blount remains a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. He is the likely favorite to be the early-down carrier in Detroit. Blount should also get a bulk of the goal-line carries as well. Owners should also be prepared for the power runner to share a lot of touches with Riddick in 2018. Blount will easily match his numbers from last season. He should be able to get more touchdowns in Detroit and have stronger fantasy year.
