The New Orleans Saints or Baltimore Ravens may steal Super Bowl free-agent running back, Leonard Fournette from the Colts this upcoming season. According to a report, the veteran is attempting to return to the field after appearing in just two games with the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 season. Fournette was only under a reserve role for the Bills and could only rack up 40 yards on 12 carries. He was the No. 4 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft where he was a part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady winning the Super Bowl in the 2020 campaign.
However, his best seasons came from his first few seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording a career-high 1,674 yards from scrimmage in 2019. Fournette was a reliable receiving weapon in the backfield for the Buccaneers, hauling in 142 catches for 977 yards during the final year two years with them. One report states that he’s ready to step back on the field and in the best career shape. Fournette may not be in his prime by any means but he should be able to find a new home soon even in depth so no one should expect him to take starting reps.
His days as a workhorse are over but a team like the Ravens could use his services behind Derrick Henry. Baltimore is putting a lot of trust in Henry to take most of the workload but that seems impossible. Lamar Jackson could use someone like Fournette in the passing game or play-action. Fournette may have worked out with the Colts but he should be getting more opportunities and visits soon.
However, Fournette may fit with the Saints where running back, Kendre Miller is expressing frustration with the team.
Saints, Ravens May Steal Super Bowl Free Agent Leonard Fournette From Colts
Other Potential Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are walking into this season with a strong supporting cast for Bryce Young, including a long-term solution at running back. However, rookie Jonathon Brooks may not be able to step on the field until later in his rookie year. He’s still recovering from a torn ACL so that leaves the duo of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders again. Sanders was a disappointment for the offense last year so the chances of him staying with the Panthers are low.
Carolina needs a rotational running back either way since they were hoping to have that in Rashaad Penny. Fournette is the type of playmaker to create some competition in the backfield and he could do that with Sanders. He may not win the backup job but it gives him a chance to make some noise. Fournette is not the same so he’s a short-term solution for teams.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have one of the thinnest backfields in the NFL despite bringing in Samaje Perine to give some life. Isiah Pacheco is the unquestionable starter but when you have Clyde Edwards-Helaire who was struggling to compete against former Chiefs Jerick McKinnon, there’s a clear problem. Kansas City would be a no-brainer destination for Fournette and he provides that championship experience that the team needs. He won’t beat out Edwards-Helaire for the backup role but provides some competition to see how he could be a pass-catcher next to Perine.
Carson Steele still has a long way to go so no one should expect him to play a full game this year. Fournette won’t drastically make a change in the backfield but gives some fresh breath of air to provide comfortability behind Edwards-Helaire.
Dallas Cowboys
If any team in the league that needs a running back, it’s the Dallas Cowboys. One report says that the Cowboys have one of the worst running back groups in the league this year. It’s still not impressive despite bringing back Ezekiel Elliott and signing Dalvin Cook. Fournette could give this team a boost if they decide to move on from Deuce Vaughn this year and put him on the practice squad.
