While Ben Tate was snatched off waivers today by the Vikings, fellow discarded running back LeGarrette Blount passed through the waiver system unclaimed, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter). That means Blount is now a free agent, able to sign with any NFL team.
Blount, 27, signed with the Steelers in March and entered the 2014 season expecting to share the workload in Pittsburgh with Le’Veon Bell. However, Bell has emerged as one of the top backs in the NFL this year and relegated Blount to backup duty — the former Buccaneer and Patriot carried the ball just 65 times for 266 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and on Monday night left the field early during Pittsburgh’s game against the Titans, leading to his release.
I asked PFR readers this morning whether Tate or Blount was the more attractive option available among running backs who were waived yesterday, and only 16% opted for Blount, with the majority choosing Tate or suggesting that neither player was worth picking up. It seems NFL teams agreed with that response — now we’ll have to wait and see whether Blount draws any interest in free agency.
Another notable veteran cut yesterday, former Panthers wideout Jason Avant, also went unclaimed on waivers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter).