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Ben Margot / Associated Press
Few of the cuts in the roster are truly shocking at this point in the NFL offseason. Fans are used to seeing quality players hitting the open market near the end of training camp, and with the 2020 discount deadline approaching September 5, more discounts are on the way.
However, the Jacksonville Jaguars release decision Running back Leonard Fournette on Monday was astounding.
Fournette didn’t live up to his draft status as a fourth overall pick in 2017, but he had a year left on his rookie contract and arguably came out of the best season of his career. The LSU product amassed 1,152 rushing yards, 522 receiving yards, 76 receptions and three touchdowns in 2019.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars tried for “months” to sell Fournette but found no takers. If he allows waivers, however, interest will likely increase.
Considering such factors as team needs, program fit, and cap space, the following six teams are their most realistic potential landing points.
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QB Tua Tagovailoa DolphinsLynne Sladky / Associated Press
The Miami Dolphins will eventually give up their offense to rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Until they do, however, the attack will likely center on fellow quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the running game.
Miami has already acquired two veteran full-backs this offseason, Jordan Howard and Matt Breida, to help lead the hasty attack. While adding Fournette to the mix might seem like overkill, it would make sense schematically.
Head coach Brian Flores was from the New England Patriots, where the use of multiple running backs is the norm. Although Fournette has a reputation for being a deadly runner, he showed last season that he can be a reliable outlet outside the backfield as well.
This ability would fit in with the mighty Howard and could help take Tagovailoa relief whenever he enters the starting lineup. With Breida as the third change of pace option, Miami could suddenly have one of the best backfields in the AFC.
The Dolphins appear set to free running back Kalen Ballage after his trade with the New York Jets failed due to physical failure. This would make room for Fournette in their backfield.
While Fournette can’t order a significant amount of money on the open market, that wouldn’t be a problem for the Dolphins, who have nearly $ 24 million in cap space left.
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Eagles RB Miles SandersChris Szagola / Associated press
The Philadelphia Eagles seem to view running back Miles Sanders as a full option that doesn’t need to come off the field often.
“I’m glad he’s handling the whole load,” Running backs coach Duce Staley said, by Glenn erby by Eagles Wire. “I don’t see Miles as a guy whose contacts you have to watch. … I think you put him on and let him go.”
However, Philadelphia kicked veteran Carlos Hyde’s tires earlier in the offseason and may revisit the idea of adding a veteran now that Sanders is week after week with a lower body injury. A source told ESPN’s Tim McManus that he “will be ready to play” in Week 1, but there is a difference between that and being ready to handle more than 25 races.
With wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Jalen Reagor both injured, Philadelphia could look to get heavy early in the season. Adding Fournette could allow them to do just that.
With over $ 18 million in ceiling space, affording Fournette wouldn’t be a problem for the Eagles.
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Steelers coach Mike TomlinKeith Srakocic / Associated Press
Armed with just over $ 4 million in cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the most financially strapped team featured here. However, that shouldn’t deter them from going after Fournette if he allows the waivers and the price is right.
Pittsburgh is betting big on the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who missed all but two games last year with an elbow injury. But if Big Ben struggles to regain his Pro Bowl form, the Steelers could be in trouble.
With Roethlisberger out for most of the 2019 season, Pittsburgh finished 30th in all-out offense and 27th in scoring. Running back James Conner – who looked like a future star in 2018 – failed without Big Ben under center, and the Steelers finished 29th in the race.
The Steelers have a championship-caliber defense that placed fifth in points and yards allowed last season. Their window with Roethlisberger won’t stay open forever and it makes sense to move all in while they can.
Adding Fournette to a team with high-level defense and offensive weapons like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and Vance McDonald could potentially push Pittsburgh into the upper echelon of the AFC.
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Rams coach Sean McVayMarcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press
Like the Steelers, the Los Angeles Rams have just over $ 4 million in cap space. Much like the Steelers, it might behoove them to take a long look at Fournette’s addition before Week 1.
The Rams are looking to replace Todd Gurley and improve on a rushing offense that ranked 26th in yards and 27th in yards per attempt last season. Second-round rookie pick Cam Akers is promising, but 2019 third-round pick Darrell Henderson suffers from a hamstring injury and could miss regular season time.
“We hope he will eventually be able to come back and that will not affect his availability for the Dallas game,” said head coach Sean McVay, by Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.
Longtime replacement Malcolm Brown is also in the mix for Los Angeles, but with just 769 career rushing yards and a career average of 3.9 yards per carry, he’s a disappointing third option.
The addition of Fournette wouldn’t replace Gurley outright, and it wouldn’t necessarily stop Akers or Henderson from becoming the Rams’ future running back. However, that would provide Los Angeles with a proven starter for a decisive Week 1 game with the Dallas Cowboys.
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Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press
The Los Angeles Chargers have parted ways with running back Melvin Gordon III this offseason. Although they have retained compatriot Austin Ekeler, he does not see himself as an option for everyone.
“I split 50-50. And so, I’m expecting a bit more of that this year with the other guys too,” said Ekeler, per Chris Hayre of the team’s official website.
The unknown is who will share this 50-50 split with Ekeler. Los Angeles has Justin Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley. He doesn’t have a proven starter and a double threat in the mold of Gordon – who had 908 yards of scrum in 12 games last season despite split time with Ekeler.
Fournette could be the physical complement between Ekeler’s tackles, just like Gordon was last year.
He could be a smart addition for LA, who could switch to a more race-focused attack with sidekick Tyrod Taylor and / or rookie Justin Herbert under center in 2020. The Chargers should have no problem paying him, because they have just over $ 13 million of ceiling space remaining.
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RB David Montgomery BearNam Y. Huh / Associated Press
It might be better to think of the Chicago Bears as a dark horse for Fournette, as they have a wonderful backfield duo with David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. However, Montgomery is struggling with a groin injury and could miss time in the regular season.
“The departure of RB David Montgomery, who stopped in training yesterday with a groin injury, is expected to be out for 2-4 weeks, the source said,” Ian Rapoport tweeted Thursday. “It gives him a chance to be on the field for the opener against the Lions.”
Bringing Fournette in as early season insurance would make sense, but that’s not the only reason Chicago could be a sneaky destination. Bears quarterback coach John DeFilippo was Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator last season when Fournette broke as a wide receiver.
With the Bears facing a lot of uncertainty under center – and a camp competition between Mitchell Trubisky and former Jaguars signals caller Nick Foles – bringing back a double threat that could relieve the quarterback wouldn’t be a bad idea. .
With over $ 16 million in ceiling space remaining, Chicago should have no trouble signing Fournette from a financial standpoint.
Cap information via Spotrac.
