Once a celebrated NFL running back, Leonard Fournette was a fan favorite in the football world during his time with Tom Brady’s Super Bowl-winning team. However, he gradually faded from fans’ memories after his last stint in the NFL.
Now, the Buffalo Bills, with a 5-3 record, find themselves just one point behind the 6-2 Miami Dolphins. They are determined to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC West, and this intense situation has led them to consider Leonard as a potential addition to bolster their offense as a free-agent NFL player.
Who is Leonard Fournette?
Leonard Fournette’s NFL journey began when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him as the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his three seasons with Jacksonville, the 28-year-old played a key role in their remarkable victories. Fournette, known for his versatility as a running back, made history with the Jaguars by rushing for 100 yards and scoring a touchdown on 26 carries in his rookie year.
Despite being on the trade block for months, the Jaguars eventually released him just days before the start of the 2020 season. Fournette’s time with the Jaguars was marked by various on-field and off-field incidents that frequently made headlines.
One week after being released, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to a one-year contract. The former Jaguars player was determined to improve his reputation in the NFL community. He played a crucial role during the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2020, providing valuable support for Tom Brady.
After accumulating over 3,000 yards from scrimmage in three years, his time with the Bucs came to an end in March of this season. Last season, he gained 668 rushing yards and achieved a career high of 523 receiving yards.
Bills ink Super Bowl champ for second-half push
The Bills are facing a shortage of experienced running backs with their veteran, Damien Harris, on injured reserve due to a neck strain. Harris sustained this severe injury during the team’s Week 6 victory against the New York Giants. The injury forced him to leave the field by ambulance. Hence, they are projecting threats for their offensive lineup in their upcoming battle.
Nonetheless, the Bills did not sit idly by and came up with a better solution to add vet experience to their depth chart by inking Leonard Fournette. Per ESPN, the free-agent running back’s agents, David Canter and Ness Mugrabi, brought the news to the public on Monday.
Reports from reliable sources suggest that Leonard Fournette has successfully passed his physical examination, although the Buffalo Bills have not made an official announcement yet. It is expected that he will soon join the team’s practice unit . This strategic move is poised to make a significant impact on the Bills’ roster, thanks to Fournette’s wealth of experience and demonstrated skill during his NFL career.
Leonard Fournette has made remarkable contributions to teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout his career. His powerful running style, versatility, and ability to excel in both rushing and pass-catching roles have consistently benefited his previous teams. With Fournette’s arrival, the Bills aim to harness his expertise, enhancing their running game and fortifying their overall roster.
