Patriots' Bill Belichick: LeGarrette Blount's role 'will be up to him'

LeGarrette Blount enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career with the New England Patriots in 2013. That doesn't guarantee him playing time, though.

"That will be up to him, just like everybody else," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Friday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. "When he gets an opportunity, (it's) how much he can take advantage of it, how much he can be productive and what he can do with those opportunities (that) will determine how many more there are. It's totally up to him.

"We've talked about that. He knows that's the way it is, and he's excited about it."

Blount was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday after signing a two-year, $3.85-million contract in March. The Patriots had hoped to bring Blount back during the offseason, but balked at his price tag. 

After Blount went unclaimed on waivers, New England signed him to an incentive-laden two-year deal at the veteran minimum. 

"It didn't work out. It's the business part of the NFL," Belichick said. "He was released, he was available, and we were able to work out to have him back here. We're glad to have him back."

Blount said he was surprised by his release, but sounded optimistic about the road ahead.

"Bill is a straightforward shooter, he's a 100-percent honest person," he said. "I truly believe that if I do what I have to do, then I'll make myself a role on this team. Whatever I have to do, I'm going to do it to be productive."