As many NFL fans already know, the Pittsburgh Steelers recently released running back LeGarrette Blount after Monday's win over the Tennessee Titans. Blount decided to leave the game early (which didn't sit well with Mike Tomlin), and now he is a free agent.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the first time we've seen Blount be a distraction. Blount has shown dissatisfaction with limited carries, he's been arrested for drug use, and he even punched a Boise State player while playing at Oregon.

Options are limited because of his antics, and we are entering Week 12 of the NFL season. Starter Le'Veon Bell has been fantastic this season, so the Steelers won't miss Blount at all. A lot of teams could use an additional running back this season in both the AFC and NFC.

The New England Patriots should be the first team to make an offer to Blount.

The Patriots have been hurting at running back all season long. Starter Stevan Ridley tore his ACL and MCL, and he will not be returning for the remainder of the season. Shane Vereen is a versatile player, but he's not very effective when it comes to running between the tackles. Vereen is more gifted as a receiver than he is as a pure runner.

Jonas Gray had the game of his life against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 11 with 199 rushing yards and four touchdowns on Sunday Night Football. He played a phenomenal game, but much more is needed. Gray is still just 24 years old, and he does have injury issues in the past. Gray tore his ACL at Notre Dame and went undrafted.

Blount would be (and has been) a perfect fit with the Patriots offense. Last season Blount averaged five yards per carry with the Patriots in the regular season. In his first playoff game, against the Colts, Blount ran wild for 166 yards and four touchdowns securing a 43-22 win. Blount isn't the second coming of Emmitt Smith or Jim Brown, but he knows the Patriots system and coaches.

As for the Patriots, running the ball hasn't been very consistent this season.

Not once this entire season have the Patriots entire team rushed for 100 yards in back to back games. As a matter of fact, the Patriots have failed to reach the 90-yard rushing mark six times this season. As much as the Patriots' passing attack has improved in recent weeks, running the ball effectively will always improve their chances in January. Running the ball successfully can also help the Patriots No. 16-ranked defense stay off the field with an increased in time of possession.

Aside from helping the Patriots ground game, there's another pivotal reason they should sign Blount. Keeping him away from other AFC teams would be extremely beneficial.

The Denver Broncos rank No. 27 in rushing this season, and they have a lot of injuries to their running backs. If Blount joins Peyton Manning and that high-powered offense, the Broncos could eliminate the Patriots for a second consecutive postseason. The other obvious team is the Colts. With Ahmad Bradshaw out for the season, the Colts have a big rushing problem going forward.

Even their AFC East rival, the Buffalo Bills are still in the mix at a playoff race. The Bills rank No. 25 overall in rushing, and facing Blount twice a year could be detrimental. Signing Blount to ensure that a competitive conference opponent doesn't, could pay off for the Patriots.

Gray is obviously a talented running back, but injuries and little experience do leave the door open. Adding depth could only help the Patriots' rushing attack, especially when it's a player who is used to the system.

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