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Steelers Add Blount To Complement Bell
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that his team was looking for quality depth to work behind second-year running back Le'Veon Bell. Today, Pittsburgh found what they were looking for in former Patriot LeGarrette Blount. According to National Football Post staffer Aaron Wilson, Blount agreed to terms with the Steelers on a two-year contract.

Based on Blount's impressive effort in New England last year, should fantasy football owners be worried about Bell's value taking a hit? After all, Wilson reports that Tomlin was instrumental convincing Blount to sign with the Steelers.

Nonetheless, I tend to agree with NFL.com's Mike Coppinger, who wrote: "Bell will surely be the starter after a nice rookie campaign, but Blount will be an effective change-of-pace back with his bruising style."

Indeed, Blount was excellent down the stretch for the Patriots last season. He bulldozed through the Bills' defense to the tune of 189 yards and two touchdowns in Week 17. He followed that up with one of the best playoff performances for a running back in recent memory: 166 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the Pats' blowout win over the Colts.

Still, I'll remind you of Tomlin's comments at the NFL owners meetings, when the coach made it clear he's not looking to significantly limit Bell's carries in 2014.

"We need to add quality depth to that position," Tomlin stated. "It would be good to get a been-there, done-that type of guy in the room to maybe help (Bell) with growth and development. But I don’t view it as a necessity, quite honestly."

Based on those comments and what we saw of Bell once he got rolling last year, fantasy owners hoping to see him continue in the same role he played last year should rest easy.

But if Bell comes up short due to injury or other reasons, Blount is plenty capable.

The former Oregon standout has rushed for 2,711 yards and 20 touchdowns and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry for his career in four NFL seasons.

He has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As a rookie, he rushed for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns for the Buccaneers.

Blount's departure from New England leaves the Patriots with Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden as their top three backs.

UPDATE: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Blount's two-year deal is worth $3.85 million and includes a $950K signing bonus.