LeGarrette Blount Reportedly Expected to Leave Patriots in Free Agency

Following a career year in 2016, running back LeGarrette Blount is reportedly not expected to return to the New England Patriots next season.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo (h/t CSNNE.com), there is an "expectation" that Blount will sign elsewhere in free agency.

The 30-year-old bruiser set career highs last season with 1,161 rushing yards and a league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns.

Blount had only 109 rushing yards in three playoff games, however, as he took a backseat to James White and Dion Lewis.

The former Oregon standout does have a history of postseason success, though, with 470 yards and eight touchdowns in eight career postseason games with the Pats.

If Blount does depart, it will leave a void within the New England offense with no workhorse back to complement the versatility of White and Lewis.

One possible replacement could be longtime Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who is a free agent after the Vikes declined his option.

Per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Peterson would reportedly consider taking a discount to sign with New England and chase an elusive championship.

Aside from Peterson, Eddie Lacy, Jamaal Charles and Latavius Murray are among the top free-agent running backs available to the Pats should Blount not return.