New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has warned running back LeGarrette Blount that he will have to earn his playing time after signing a two-year contract on Thursday to re-join the franchise.

Blount was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers after leaving the field before the end of their win over the Tennessee Titans on Monday night as he was displeased with his role on the team.

The 27-year-old went unclaimed on waivers, when a team would have had to pick up his existing contract, before being signed by the Patriots.

"That will be up to him, just like everybody else. 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," Belichick told the media.

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

Blount practiced with New England for the first time on Thursday and he will look to share playing time with Jonas Gray and Shane Vereen.