There have been rumors about running back Leonard Fournette and the Jacksonville Jaguars parting ways all offseason. Around draft time, they attempted to trade the disgruntled back, to no avail. On Monday morning, it was reported that the Jaguars have cut Fournette, finally.
The timing is curious, as they have had a long time to make this move. Was it just another way to stick a knife in the back of the young rusher? Given the timing, it seems as though that could be true, with the added difficulty of finding a new team.
Still, at 25 years old and very talented, Fournette should hear his phone ring plenty today. These are the top destinations for Fournette, following his Jaguars release.
Top Destinations for Leonard Fournette
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have often used a committee approach at running back, during Doug Pederson’s time as head coach. They lost Jordan Howard, but did not replace him. Instead, they doubled down on their love for Miles Sanders, saying he could be the featured back and bell cow of sorts. Of course, this was immediately followed with an injury.
Fournette could relieve some of the pressure of Sanders and be the thunder to his lightning. It feels like a natural fit.
Chicago Bears
The Bears avoided a major scare last week, when running back David Montgomery was carted off the practice field. It was diagnosed as a strained groin, which is not as severe as it could have been, but it’s not a recovery that can be rushed. Signing Fournette ensures they can take their time with Montgomery’s injury.
New York Jets
Apparently, Le’Veon Bell has looked bad in camp. Like, really bad. The level of bad that would make you reach out and trade for Kalen Ballage, who is so terrible that he cannot pass a physical. With that trade falling through, it appears the Jets still have a desire for another running back. If they were interested in Ballage, one would think they would at least give Fournette a look.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons made the offseason move of signing Todd Gurley. Yes, it’s a nice homecoming story, but him getting load management rest on the first day of padded practice tells us that these knees are a real issue. The second-string rusher there right now is Brian Hill. Splitting the carries between Gurley and Fournette would be a much better option, and they could use Fournette on the short yardage situations, in order to reduce the high impact situations for Gurley.
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