Two weeks ago, the Patriots and LeGarrette Blount were reportedly in the early stages of negotiations on a contract. Wednesday, if no deal is reached, Blount hits the free agent market.

Blount may be a question mark, but not the whole backfield; fullback James Develin announced via his Twitter page that he would be re-joining the Patriots for the 2016-2017 season.

Develin missed the 2015-16 season when he broke his tibia in the Patriots’ last preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

Develin played in all 16 games in both 2013 and 2014. He has seven career rushing attempts for 15 yards and a touchdown and 10 career receptions for 105 yards. He had two receptions for six yards and a touchdown during the Patriots’ 2014 Super Bowl run.


The 2015 Patriots season, game by game