Is Leonard Fournette a dream trade target for the Philadelphia Eagles
By David Levin
Is there a way the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars can work a “dream” scenario for running back Leonard Fournette?
Is there a deal out there where the Jacksonville Jaguars could still trade Leonard Fournette before the start of the season? If you look are different scenarios, one that could make sense involves the Philadelphia Eagles and the potential need for a running back in their backfield.
Dan Parzych wrote a piece for insidetheiggles.com where he outlines three possible “dream” trade options in between the Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The one involving Fournette, who was shopped around during the NFL Draft, is the most appealing to me.
"“Believe it or not, there have been some trade rumors surrounding Jacksonville wanting to move on from Leonard Fournette, which would most likely draw plenty of interest from teams in need of help at the running back position,” Parzych writes.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“And even though the Jaguars made it clear a few weeks ago they still intend to have Fournette be part of their future plans, plenty could change from now until the start of training camp.”"
The addition of Chris Thompson to the Jaguars running back room means Fournette will get a lighter load this season, as he accounted for nearly 1,700 yards from scrimmage in 2019. Having the former LSU star running and catching footballs with rookie Gardner Minshew under center was a big relief. Still, Jacksonville only scored 18.8 points a game.
After the NFL Draft, general manager David Caldwell said the team was committed to Fournette this season, which is the last of his rookie deal. The team has announced it did not pick up the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. There has been no discussion of a contract extension. The Jaguars and the running back could be in the same situation that the front office is in with Yannick Ngakoue.
Letting both players walk after this season could be a huge blow to the franchise moving forward.
Because the Jacksonville Jaguars did not receive a firm offer from any team last month, it would be interesting to see if a team finds out it needs help during the regular season.
"“Philadelphia may not be as desperate as other teams for help at the running back position, but the thought of Fournette teaming up with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott could help the Eagles’ offense elevate their game to a new level,” Parzych adds."
For now, Fournette is still the lead back for the Jacksonville Jaguars. If that changes, the deal would have to work for the team’s front office. There was no mention of what kind of compensation Jacksonville looked for during the Draft, but now a solid offer would be something the team would have to listen to.