NFL: Philadelphia Eagles-Minicamp
Jun 13, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (35) during mini camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
(Bill Streicher)
Running back LeGarrette Blount has a chance to be the most impactful of the Eagles' offseason additions, but according to a report from Field Yates of ESPN, Blount has incentive to stay fit and trim this season.
As Yates reports, the Eagles included a weight clause in Blount's contract which will pay him a $50,000 bonus if he weighs in between 240 to 245 pounds when he checks into training camp at the NovaCare Complex.
Last season, Blount set career highs in carries, yards and touchdowns en route to winning his second Super Bowl in the past three seasons with the New England Patriots.
The Eagles will look for Blount to likely be the bell-cow in a running back by committee that includes fellow veteran Darren Sproles, fourth-round rookie Donnel Pumphrey and second-year back Wendell Smallwood which could chip into Blount's 2016 production of 299 carries for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns.
In head coach Doug Pederson's offense, running backs are asked to catch the ball out of the backfield, which Blount says he's more than ready to do.
"Yeah," Blount said recently, when asked if he feels comfortable in the role as a dual-threat back. "I can catch the football. It hasn't been a role that I've been called upon to do. It hasn't been noticed as much, but I'm comfortable catching the football and I have no problem catching it."
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoPHL.