Blount Spurns 49ers, Signs With Titans

Oregon RB LeGarrette Blount had an agreement to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, but then changed his mind at the last minute and signed with the Tennessee Titans. Blount was not drafted, partly due to the incident with Boise State DE Byron Hout on the first game of the regular season. Blount punched Hout in the face at the conclusion of the game, and Blount was subsequently suspended for the rest of the season. Blount eventually had his suspension reduced and he was able to play in November and in their Rose Bowl appearance against Ohio State.

Blount decided his opportunity with the Titans was much better than an opportunity with the 49ers. The 49ers have two productive running backs already in RB Frank Gore and RB Glen Coffee. They also drafted RB Anthony Dixon from Mississippi State. The Titans have All-Pro RB Chris Johnson, but they traded their backup RB Lendale White to the Seattle Seahawks on draft day.

I don't blame Blount for what he did. The opportunity certainly presents itself with the Titans. Had he signed with the 49ers, he probably would've been cut before the regular season. That probably would've put him in a spot where he would've taken a while to find another team to land with. With the Titans, Blount has a legit shot at not only making the roster, but being the primary back behind Johnson.

While Blount will be looked at for that punch against Hout, I truly believe Blount is a good person who got very frustrated that night in Idaho. NFL teams should not be concerned about this guy on and off the field, especially early in his career. He wasn't even drafted, so there's no margin for error on his part. If his determination for being a productive running back presents itself, he'll strive behind Johnson and give the Titans a one-two punch like what they had with White.