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IlluminatusUIUC
04-27-2013, 04:09 PM
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/9218377/2013-nfl-draft-tampa-bay-buccaneers-trade-legarrette-blount-new-england-patriots


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nwe/new-england-patriots) have traded running back Jeff Demps (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15749/jeff-demps) and a seventh-round draft choice (No. 229 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-buccaneers) in exchange for running back LeGarrette Blount (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13213/legarrette-blount).



The Buccaneers had been trying to trade Blount, according to the Tampa Times, while the dynamics of Demps' situation with the Patriots changed this offseason when he decided to run track for Team USA while hoping to still play football. It is unclear if Demps' pursuit of track led to the trade, but it seems likely given that the Patriots had guaranteed him $211,000 in a three-year contract last year as a rookie free agent.
As for Blount, he was phased out of the Buccaneers' offense last year, carrying just 41 times for 151 yards (3.7 avg) with two touchdowns. As a rookie in 2010 under former Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, Blount rushed for 1,007 yards on 201 carries.
At 6 feet, 247 pounds, Blount is a bigger back and joins a position that includes Stevan Ridley (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14028/stevan-ridley) (5-11, 220), Shane Vereen (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/14017/shane-vereen) (5-9, 205), Brandon Bolden (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/15478/brandon-bolden) (5-11, 220) and Leon Washington (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/9703/leon-washington) (5-8, 203). The Patriots inherit his one-year contract.
Blount's resume includes some on- and off-field issues and altercations, in college and the NFL.
The Patriots host the Buccaneers on Sept. 22.

Demps and a 7th for a 1000 yard guy? Interesting.

Bangarang
04-27-2013, 04:14 PM
Doesn't he have an issue fumbling the ball?

IlluminatusUIUC
04-27-2013, 04:17 PM
Doesn't he have an issue fumbling the ball?

He's listed as having 9 fumbles on a little under 600 touches. By comparison, Spiller has 10 fumbles on slightly less.

Crisis
04-27-2013, 04:22 PM
Doesn't he have an issue fumbling the ball?

Yes, and he's horrendous at picking up the blitz. Maybe a good change of pace back for Ridley but he shouldn't see the field on 3rd down because he can't pass protect at all.

I mean, he's essentially a short yardage back that had trouble converting on those in Tampa last year. I don't know how he'll fit in with New England because he doesn't offer much, if any, versatility.

Slim
04-27-2013, 04:26 PM
Solid pickup. I'm more concerned with Ridley/Vereen though.

MTBillsFan
04-27-2013, 10:09 PM
If all else fails, he'll punch someone in the face...

psubills62
04-27-2013, 10:19 PM
I don't know how he'll fit in with New England because he doesn't offer much, if any, versatility.
This is why I don't see him as a great fit in NE. He's really fallen off. IIRC, TB nearly just outright released him.