The New England Patriots apparently aren’t done outsmarting everyone this offseason. The Patriots reportedly issued a tender offer to running back LeGarrette Blount on Wednesday, giving New England some leverage in its ongoing talks with the free agent.
NFL teams had until May 9 offer a tender to any of their unrestricted free agents and still be eligible for draft-pick compensation, according to Pro Football Talk. The Patriots’ move now guarantees them exclusive negotiating rights with Blount if he doesn’t sign elsewhere before July 22. If Blount is not signed by that date, the Patriots have exclusive negotiating rights with him through the Tuesday after Week 10 of the regular season.