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Steelers Sign Bruising RB LeGarrette Blount

The Cleveland Browns will have another tough runner to deal with in Pittsburgh this year.

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Tate won't be the only new running back in the AFC North in 2014, as the Pittsburgh Steelers signed RB LeGarrette Blount today, according to Aaron Wilson of Ravens Insider. The Steelers had also expressed some interest in RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Oakland Raiders earlier in the day.

Blount is coming off an outstanding end-to-the-season with the New England Patriots, and he was a guy I wouldn't have minded the Browns getting, had they not changed their coaching staff in the offseason. Behind the Steel Curtain explains what type of role they envision Blount having with the team:

Blount will presumably back up second-year RB Le'Veon Bell, a player who figures to receive a high amount of touches this season. Blount is a solid between-the-tackles power runner but won't contribute much on passing downs, leaving Bell unchallenged in that regard.

Blount is a physical threat, but the Steelers also need to improve their offensive line to jump start their ground game again.