The Facts: Blount works in New England. He's productive there, he's seemingly at peace there, and he wins Super Bowls there. So naturally, the 30-year-old running back would prefer to remain with the Patriots should the free agency winds take him that way. "I just want to make sure that I go to this free agency with an open mind knowing that I definitely want to go back to New England," Blount said on Monday.

Diehards Line: He continued: "I love it there. I love the culture. I love the players. I've become close with a lot of the guys. Obviously you know how my running back group is. We'll cross that bridge whenever we cross it. On that point, I feel great. I'm in amazing shape. I feel like I could play 100 more years if I have to. ..." As NFL.com suggests, Blount's career season in 2016 -- 299 attempts, 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns -- is sure to place him in HC Bill Belichick's favorable column, though it might produce some cursory interest from other teams looking at giving him another chance. We'll be watching for more.