It is hard to find a good running back on the free agent market.
Most of the good ones have already been locked up on extensions, while the others are either past their prime or viewed as third down backs.
That is what makes the case of Leonard Fournette so interesting.
The 27-year-old had a career renaissance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the last two years, and established himself as a three-down back in 2021, taking 63% of the offensive snaps to emerge as the team’s primary back.
While 27 is certainly on the older end of the spectrum for running backs, Fournette could prove valuable on a short-term deal for a team looking to add a primary ball carrier.
Here’s a look at some possible fits for Fournette:
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary emerged as the Bills’ leading rusher in 2021, finishing with 870 yards on 188 carries, but the next-best rusher on the team was quarterback Josh Allen. So, Buffalo may be looking to add some depth to its running game and should look no further than Fournette.
A two-headed monster of Fournette and Singletary will only strengthen an already potent Buffalo offense. Fournette also brings Super Bowl pedigree with him, and has performed well in the playoffs. Pairing him with Singletary could allow the both of them to stay fresh for the long haul, as the Bills eye a Super Bowl run in 2022.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins ranked 30th in rushing yards last season, so you bet they will be looking to make upgrades in the backfield this spring. The Dolphins also have the most projected cap space in 2022, so money is also on their side if that is a deciding factor in wooing a free agent like Fournette.
Fournette did have the luxury of playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines in Tampa Bay, but the same cannot be said about Miami, which also contributed to their poor run game. The Dolphins would have to use some of that cap space to bolster the line if they want Fournette to be as effective as he was in Tampa Bay.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are another team that struggled to run the ball in 2021, and actually were one spot worse than the Dolphins at 31 in the league in rushing yards.
By signing with Atlanta, Fournette would get to stay in the NFC South, which appears wide-open at the moment with Tom Brady gone and the Saints in search of a quarterback. Having a three-down back like Fournette in the backfield, along with wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (who is also a free agent and needs to be re-signed), who had 618 rushing yards last season, certainly adds some depth and versatility within the offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers already have Austin Ekeler as their three-down back, but why not pursue someone like Fournette to add more depth to the backfield? Ekeler and Fournette would be a lethal 1-2 punch, perhaps the best in the league, in a Chargers offense already dangerous with Justin Herbert under center.
Ekeler will probably still get the lion's share of touches and will be the pass-catching back, but Fournette would make them a much deeper and dangerous team as they look to make the playoffs after just missing out in 2021.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Of course, if all else fails, Fournette could find himself back in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers. While there is no Brady around, Fournette has found success under Bruce Arians and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. If they can bring in a veteran quarterback, they can still be competitive in the NFC South.
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