Patriots Trade Jeff Demps for LeGarrette Blount

The New England Patriots have completed a trade for two-sport kick returner Jeff Demps, trading him along with a seventh round draft choice to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for disgruntled running back LeGarrette Blount.

This trade is a surprise, to say the least. Blount was very unhappy in Tampa Bay playing behind Doug Martin. He is a big, powerful bruiser of a running back who is a bit one dimensional. However, the Patriots struggled running the football in short yardage situations in 2012, and this figures to be an area where Blount can help.

The Bucs interest is anything but a surprise. They lost out to the Patriots on their attempt to sign him last summer, and now they get their guy a year later. It was a disappointing stint for Jeff Demps on the Patriots, but at least they were able to get some value for him.

Blount joins a crowded backfield that includes third year players Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, veteran return man Leon Washington, and second year pro Brandon Bolden.