LeGarrette Blount works in New England. He's productive there, he's seemingly at peace there, and he wins Super Bowls there.
So naturally, the 30-year-old running back would prefer to remain with the Patriots should the free agency winds take him that way.
"I just want to make sure that I go to this free agency with an open mind knowing that I definitely want to go back to New England," Blount said on NFL Total Access Monday. "I love it there. I love the culture. I love the players. I've become close with a lot of the guys. Obviously you know how my running back group is. We'll cross that bridge whenever we cross it. On that point, I feel great. I'm in amazing shape. I feel like I could play 100 more years if I have to."
Blount's career season in 2016 -- 299 attempts, 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns -- is sure to place him in coach Bill Belichick's favorable column, though it might produce some cursory interest from other teams looking at giving him another chance. His skills as a power back are undeniable, even if he failed to produce an ideal on and off-field product during his time with the Buccaneers and Steelers.
We could see him get phased out for a younger version of himself, especially if some of New England's younger and cheaper options continue to evolve.
Of course, the smart money is on him remaining in New England and the smart money is on the Patriots offering him a little bit of a raise from his insanely team-friendly, one-year, $1 million deal last season. And if that's the case, would Blount take a little more money to go elsewhere instead of remaining in the place where he's productive, beloved and at peace?
The Patriots' main advantage is their understanding of personnel as it pertains to their remarkably consistent offense. There have been miscalculations over the years like any other team, but the Blount/Belichick relationship has been nothing but mutually beneficial.
