29 LeGarrette Blount RB

Blount could sign with the Giants before the draft, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

Blount seemingly hoped to reunite with the Patriots, but his former team instead signed both Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee. The 30-year-old bowling ball is left in a difficult position, as the few teams still in search of a power runner might be able to fill their need during a draft that has a strong crop of running backs. With Adrian Peterson headed to New Orleans on a two-year contract, Blount may feel some added pressure to sign before the start of the draft. The Giants are a sensible fit, likely hoping to boost their backfield without expending an early-round pick. 2016 fifth-rounder Paul Perkins did show lead-back potential down the stretch of his rookie season, but it isn't hard to envision a three-headed backfield in which Blount handles a lot of early-down carries and goal-line work, while Shane Vereen (triceps) takes most of the obvious passing-down snaps and Perkins does a little bit of everything.

Blount and the Patriots have mutual interest in continuing their relationship, NFL.com reports.

Blount was in a similar situation last offseason, hoping to cash in on a solid 2015 campaign, but ultimately settling for a one-year, $1 million deal to stay in New England after going unsigned through the first month of free agency. Coming off an 18-touchdown season, the 30-year-old power back probably expected to draw more interest on the open market this time around, only to find that the one-dimensional nature of his game still limits him to a few possible destinations. Blount might even be willing to accept a discount to stay in New England, where he's enjoyed a cushy role as the goal-line and clock-killing power back in a high-powered offense. Other possible fits include the Giants and Raiders.

Blount could be a good fit with the Giants as a complement to Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen (triceps), SNY.TV.com reports.

Coming off a 2016 campaign in which he ran for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns -- albeit on 3.9 yards per carry -- Blount remains unsigned through the first 10 days of free agency. His production largely is viewed as a product of the Patriots offense, which provided Blount with a plethora of goal-line carries and clock-killing work. While a return to New England isn't out of the question, the Patriots did recently sign Rex Burkhead to a one-year, $3 million contract to join a backfield that also includes James White and Dion Lewis (hamstring). There may still be room for Blount in that picture, as Burkhead, Lewis and White are all smaller backs with pass-catching skills. Other teams that could be in the market for a power runner include the Giants, Packers, Buccaneers and Raiders.

Blount gained 31 yards on 11 carries and lost a fumble in the Patriots' 34-28 overtime victory over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Blount's most prominent play was a dubious one, as he had the ball ripped out by Falcons safety Deion Jones on the second play of the second quarter, giving Atlanta possession at its own 29-yard line. That turnover eventually resulted in a Devonta Freeman five-yard touchdown run, and the Patriots used Blount sparingly after that point. The scarcity of touches also came as a result of the four-possession deficit that New England found itself facing early into the third quarter, a scenario that largely froze Blount out of the action due to his minimal role in the passing game. An unrestricted free agent after playing on a one-year, $1 million contract in 2016, it remains to be seen if Blount will be brought back to serve as the team's primary two-down back.

Blount rushed 16 times for 47 yards and a touchdown, and caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 36-17 AFC Championship win over the Steelers.

Blount was a much bigger part of the game plan after playing second fiddle to Dion Lewis with only eight touches against the Texans last week. The 30-year-old veteran scored his team's lone rushing touchdown from one yard out in the third quarter for his 19th rushing score in 18 games. Finding running room in the Super Bowl won't be easy against a Falcons defense that hasn't allowed more than 34 yards on the ground to any non-quarterback this postseason.