Report: LeGarrette Blount could be a surprise cut

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff

The Eagles delighted many fans when they announced that they had agreed to a one-year deal with running back Legarrette Blount late in the offseason. 

Unfortunately for those delighted fans, one of the newest Eagles may soon find himself back in the unemployment line. 

NFL insider Adam Caplan appeared on 97.5 The Fanatic earlier today and said "…the more information I gather on Blount, the more I understand that he’s no lock to make the football team."

Caplan added that a week ago this would not have been the case for Blount, and that his play in the preseason combined with his struggle to reach the Eagles' preferred playing weight are two factors placing him on the bubble.

It is worth emphasizing that saying that he is not a "lock" also does not mean he is a guaranteed cut, so fans should not expect his departure as of yet.

Blount won a Super Bowl last season with the New England Patriots, while also leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also ran for 1,161 yards. 

Blount appears to be a perfect fit for the Eagles who can use the goalline specialist after converting on less than half of their red zone trips last season and finishing towards the bottom of the league in that category, however Blount has only gained 17 yards on nine carries in the preseason so far. 

Blount's lack of production should be taken with a grain of salt, considering that the team is not using a full gameplan in preseason and that Blount, who thrives between the tackles, has been used almost exclusively in off tackle and outside runs throughout preseason.

The Eagles also have Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood, Donnel Pumphrey, Corey Clement, and Byron Marshall competing for roster spots. Clement and Marshall both scored touchdowns for the Eagles last Thursday against the Bills and Clement made an especially strong impression. 

The Eagles would save $850,000 in salary for this upcoming season by cutting Blount.