LeGarrette Blount Released by Steelers

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

And the AFC North running backs continue to fall.  The Steelers today have decided to release LeGarrette Blount.

The Steelers decided to do so after Blount walked out on the team on Monday night during their game against the Titans.  Blount was reportedly unhappy with his role in the Steelers’ backfield.  His carries have taken a dive recently as Le’Veon Bell has taken control of the running duties; yesterday Blount saw zero carries on the night.

Blount’s release continues to troubling trend for the fifth-year running back.  After being highly effective in his rookie season with Tampa Bay (1,007 yards and six touchdowns on 201 carries), Blount’s role in their backfield was reduced over his last couple of years; the team eventually traded him to the New England Patriots where he accepted a pay cut.

Blount again averaged 5.0 yards/carry and had a career high seven touchdowns.  Yet, despite his effectiveness, the team didn’t seem to pursue Blount very hard as he promptly signed with the Steelers in the beginning of free agency this past off-season.

Before Blount could really get his year started with his third team, he was arrested (along with Bell) due to possession of marijuana.

Before this recent issue, Blount has had several other on-the-field issues reaching back to his college days where he was suspended for punching an opponent.  There seems to be a pattern here as Blount’s history could suggest he’s more trouble than he’s worth.

The Steelers now have little depth behind Le’Veon Bell at the running back position.  It’ll be interesting to see if they seek help at the position for the season’s final stretch.  Maybe the Steelers can draw the attention of the recently released Ben Tate who struggled with the Browns this season.