After three seasons in Jacksonville, the Jaguars have released the 4th overall pick pick in the 2017 draft, Leonard Fournette. The 25-year-old Fournette is coming off a season in which he had a career high in a number of statistical categories. Fournette had a career high in games played, rushing yards, yards per carry, and receptions. But, Fournette’s departure in Jacksonville shouldn’t come as a surprise. He had previous issues with head coach Doug Marrone, and reportedly has been on the trade block for quite some time.
Fournette cleared waivers and can officially sign with any team. At this point in time, Fournette’s market is unknown, but according to BetOnline, the Patriots are co-favorites to land Fournette at 11-4 odds.
The Patriots already have a crowded backfield, as they currently have Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, Lamar Miller, and JJ Taylor on the roster. The Patriots seem to like each of these running backs, as they all bring a different dynamic out of the back-field. As training camp has progressed, Damien Harris seems to be in the lead as the number one back. Harris was a 3rd round pick in the 2019 draft, and only carried the ball four times during his rookie campaign. But, Harris has had an electric training camp, and seems to have taken advantage of Sony Michel’s foot injury, which has caused him to miss the majority of training camp. But, with Bill Belichick things can change based on game plans, and carries change on a week-to-week basis.
Fournette certainly would be the most talented running back on the Patriots’ roster, but would it be worth it? Sony Michel and Lamar Miller began training camp on the P.U.P. list, James White is more of a pass-catcher, Rex Burkhead isn’t very durable, JJ Taylor seems like a long shot to make the roster, and Damien Harris is as unproven as it gets. Even with the depth on paper, the Patriots still have some room for improvement at the position. The running back position isn’t a necessarily a need for the Patriots, but adding Fournette would clearly be an upgrade.
If the Patriots want to win games this season, the run-game is going to be a priority for the Patriots. If Harris struggles, and Michel goes down with another injury, the Patriots will be in serious trouble. Having depth at the running back position is huge for Josh McDaniels. Rotating running backs keeps everyone fresh and keeps the defense guessing on a week-to-week basis.
Teams such as the 49ers and the Ravens have really went to a model of rotating backs, and have had quite a bit of success doing so. The 49ers ranked 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2019. They had all this success without a 1,000 yard rusher. It was a group effort that allowed them to have that kind of success on the ground. It’s not out of the question, that the Patriots will look to do the same exact thing.
If Fournette would be on board to a running back by committee offense, it would be tough to pass up on. Fournette would instantly become the biggest running back on the Patriots’ roster, and could be used effectively on goal line situations, as well as short third down conversions. But, if Fournette wants to be the lead back and wants to control the game with every snap, it will not work out.
Now, nobody knows exactly what Fournette is looking for when it comes to figuring out his next NFL home. Is he prioritizing money? Is he concerned about touches and rebuilding his stock? Is he focused on winning a Super Bowl? All of these things will come into play when Fournette chooses his next home.
Bill Belichick will certainly not break the bank for Fournette and will only have him at the right price, and of course only if Fournette is open to a reduction in usage.
But, if Fournette is truly willing to take less money, and become more team oriented, the possibility that Leonard Fournette ends up in New England is certainly in play.
