NFL Free Agency: Eagles sign running back LeGarrette Blount

Blount would have returned to the Patriots through NFL free agency loopholes

Philadelphia left the NFL Draft without a third-down running back who could push the pocket and pick up extra yards.

Now according to multiple reports, the Eagles have signed free agent running back LeGarrette Blount to a one-year. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the deal is worth up to $2.8 million with incentives.

Arizona and the Giants were reportedly interested in adding Blount prior to him signing with the Eagles.

Philadelphia had mostly speed backs in the running back room, consisting of Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood, and rookies Donnel Pumphrey and Corey Clement.

Veteran Ryan Mathews is still on the roster, but is likely to be cut in order to clear $4 million in salary cap space.

Blount led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with the Patriots last season with 18, and won a Super Bowl alongside Tom Brady.

Had a team not signed Blount, the Patriots would exercise the rarely used May 9th tender, which would force Blount to return to New England for 110% of his last contract.

"“We’re always looking for complementary players when we go over our roster and positions,” Howie Roseman said at the NovaCare Complex on Wednesday. “Obviously, LeGarrette had a tremendous amount of success with New England last year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns and winning a Super Bowl. He sets the tempo for your team as a running back."

Despite limited cap space, the Eagles have overhauled their offense, adding wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith to a group of unproductive young receivers.

Blount also takes pressure off second-year quarterback Carson Wentz, who broke the NFL rookie record for passing attempts in a season.

Now the Eagles offense likely has Blount in the backfield with Wentz throwing to Jeffrey, Smith, Jordan Matthews in the slot, and tight end Zach Ertz coming off the line.

Expect former Titan Dorial Green-Beckham to be cut after failing to live up to his physical strengths and dropping several easy passes thrown his way. First round pick Nelson Agholor will likely remain with the deal based on salary cap issues, but his opportunities will diminish.

Philadelphia will likely not pick up a fifth-year option on Agholor, who came out of USC as a reliable deep threat to replace DeSean Jackson.

Through the NFL Draft Philadelphia also added special teams receiver Mack Hollins from UNC and speedster Sheldon Gibson from West Virginia.

Next: The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History

Now with Blount in the fold, Philadelphia has a potent offense to contend for the NFC East title, one they haven’t held since 2013 under Chip Kelly.

Chalk this up as another big win for general manager Howie Roseman in the NFL free agency period.