4 FA running backs Jaguars can sign in 2022 to bolster depth

No. 4 FA running back Jaguars can sign in 2022 – Leonard Fournette

At last, here’s a running back that didn’t play against the Jaguars in 2021. However, Leonard Fournette has a history with them. You should know the story by now but in case you don’t, here we go again.

The Jaguars drafted Fournette fourth overall in the 2017 NFL over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were still available. They already had Blake Bortles in place, so the former regime didn’t feel inclined to invest a premium pick in the position. Things worked out well at first. The former LSU tiger went on to amass more than 1,000 yards in his rookie campaign. In fact, he had two 1,000-yard campaigns in two of his first three years in the league. However, the team moved on from him after James Robinson showed promise last offseason.

Fournette went on to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became a key cog on their offense during their Super Bowl run, racking 64 carries for 300 yards and three touchdowns. This season, Lenny has registered 180 carries for 812 yards and eight touchdowns trips to the end zone. He was placed on the Injured Reserve list after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 17 but he could return for the postseason.

But wait a minute. By now you may be wondering why would the Jaguars sign Leonard Fournette after releasing him in 2020, and more importantly, why would he be willing to return to Jacksonville? Easy, the NFL is a business and he wouldn’t mind returning if the Jags make him a good offer. Moreover, there will be a new regime in place next year and if the Jags hire Buccanneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich as their next head coach, he could bring Fournette with him.