Eagles Want a Slimmer Blount

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - If there is one thing LeGarrette Blount is known for, it's his size but the Eagles believe there is a fine line for the veteran back.

Listed at 250 pounds this spring after his impressive 18-touchdown season with the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, Blount was actually a little heavier than that after signing a one-year, $1.25 million deal in May.

The Eagles would like him lighter that when he reports to training camp next month and have provided an incentive. According to ESPN's Field Yates, Blount can earn $50,000 if he weighs between 240 and 245 pounds when he arrives at the NovaCare Complex this summer.

The 30-year-old, two-time 1,000-yard rusher is penciled as the Eagles' RB1 for the 2017 season, leading a backfield that is expected to include veteran third-down back Darren Sproles, as well as second-year player Wendell Smallwood and rookie Donnel Pumphrey.

Veteran Ryan Mathews (neck) remains on the roster in name only and is expected to be released once he is cleared medically, while undrafted rookie free agent and Glassboro native Corey Clement is a good bet for the practice squad.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen