NFL Rumors 2017: LeGarrette Blount Leaving The New England Patriots In Free Agency? Wide Receivers At Center Of Trade Speculaton

With 2017 NFL free agency set to begin on March 9, the latest rumors involve talented skill position players. One top running back could be switching teams in the coming days, while a couple of wide receivers might be available through a trade.

The New England Patriots have become known for their unwillingness to overpay some of their top players. That attitude could force them to find a new running back next season.

LeGarrette Blount is coming off his best year in the NFL, which could mean he’s about to get a big contract offer. Blount led New England with 1,161 rushing yards in the regular season, and his 18 rushing touchdowns were the best in all of football. His contribution in the playoffs, however, was minimal, highlighted by the team’s comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl.

After failing to rush for more than 47 yards in the Patriots’ first two postseason games, Blount was held to 31 rushing yards against Atlanta. James White was the more valuable running back, rushing six times for 29 yards and two scores while catching 14 passes for 110 yards.

Robinson also reported that the Philadelphia Eagles might be willing to trade wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Matthews recorded a career-low 804 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2016, playing in 14 games after failing to miss a contest in his first two seasons.

Matthews has been criticized for his dropped passes, starting for a much-maligned Philadelphia wide receiving corps. Eagles’ rookie quarterback Carson Wentz struggled in the second half of last season.

It was reported last week that the Eagles were interested in New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but according to Robinson, the Tennessee Titans might have the best shot at landing him. Cooks is coming off his second straight season with at least 1,100 yards and eight scores.

Cooks and Matthews have had very similar careers up to this point. As the No.20 overall pick in 2014, Cooks was drafted 22 spots ahead of Matthews. Cooks’ 20 career touchdowns are just one ahead of Matthews’ total, while the Eagles’ wide out has 10 more catches for 188 fewer yards.

Both the Eagles and Saints failed to make the playoffs in 2016 with 7-9 records.