Former LSU star running back Leonard Fournette was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday after spending three seasons with the team.
Fournette, who was selected at No. 4 overall in the 2017 NFL draft, had instances with the team which resulted in a suspension and being benched during a game.
He also dealt with a few injuries over his tenure in Jacksonville.
Fournette rushed for a career total of 3,830 yards with 40 total touchdowns on 616 carries at LSU from 2014-2016.
[lawrence-related id=10552]
The former Tigers great tailback became just the second Jaguars rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards in 2017, and rushed for a total of 2,631 yards and 17 touchdowns during his time with the organization.
The move comes as a surprise, but with good reason. The Jaguars have a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden, who runs a West Coast style offense. Fournette is more of a power back, and the scheme would not have fit his running style well.
During the offseason, Jacksonville declined Fournette’s fifth-year option for 2021, ultimately making him a free agent after the 2020 season. He was placed on waivers on Monday and will earn a $4.17 million salary if another NFL team picks him up.
Before the 2020 NFL draft, the Jaguars tried to trade Fournette, but had no takers.
[lawrence-related id=10549]
In 2018, he was suspended for fighting, and was also suspended during his rookie season in 2017 for leaving early during a bye week and missing the team picture.
He was also fined a few times for being late or not being a participant during meetings.
All of the off-the-field issues that Fournette had added up the frustration from the front office and coaching staff, ultimately setting up his release. The move was likely to come at some point before the end of this season, but no one expected it to happen in the middle of camp.
So, what happens next with Fournette ?
[lawrence-related id=10547]
Any of the other 31 teams in the NFL could immediately sign him off waivers. A few teams of interest could be the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets.
Leave no doubt, Fournette still has the capability of being a true all-purpose running back for any team. He just needs to be placed into the right offensive scheme.
Entering his fourth year in the league, the former LSU standout is searching for a new home. But, he may not have to wait long to sign a deal with a new team.
It seems as if he has put his off-the-field troubles behind him, and if any one team notices that, he could have a new landing spot sooner than later.
It will be interesting to see where Fournette ends up signing, albeit if he signs at all before the season begins.
[vertical-gallery id=10469]