CBS Sport: Ravens close in to sign Bills sensational player in a blockbuster deal.
This upcoming season, running back Leonard Fournette, a free agent selected by the Super Bowl, might be taken by the New Orleans Saints or Baltimore Ravens from the Colts. The veteran, who saw action in just two games with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, is reportedly trying to get back on the field.
Fournette could only muster 40 yards on 12 carries while playing primarily as a substitute for the Bills. He was selected as the fourth overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were led by Tom Brady to the Super Bowl victory in 2020.
His best seasons, though, were during his first few years as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2019, he recorded a career-high 1,674 yards rushing from the line. During his final two years with the Buccaneers, Fournette hauled in 142 receptions for 977 yards, making him a dependable receiving threat in the backfield.
According to one report, he’s in the best shape of his career and is prepared to return to the field. No one should anticipate Fournette to take starting reps even though he may not be at his best; he should be able to find a new home shortly, even in depth.
Although his time as a workhorse is ended, he may still be useful behind Derrick Henry for a team like the Ravens. Henry is expected to shoulder the majority of the workload by Baltimore, but that seems unachievable.
Someone like Fournette may be useful to Lamar Jackson in play-action or passing situations. Even though Fournette was cut by the Colts, he should soon have additional chances and visits.
On the other hand, Fournette might mesh well with the Saints, as running back Kendre Miller has expressed dissatisfaction with the group.
The Panthers have a solid group of players around Bryce Young heading into the season, including a reliable long-term running back. Jonathan Brooks, a rookie, could not be able to play until a later point in his rookie year. He’s currently healing from an ACL tear, but Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders are back together. Sanders’ prospects of sticking with the Panthers are slim because he was a letdown for the offense in the previous season.
