It was revealed on Saturday that Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back Leonard Fournette is on the trading block.
Jaguars have had trade discussions with other teams regarding RB Leonard Fournette, league sources tell ESPN. Fournette is due $4.16 million in base salary in 2020. It's a situation that bears watching as this week's draft approaches.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2020
Fournette is in the last year of his rookie deal, which lessens his trade value as wherever he lands, it’ll likely be on a one-year contract. Jacksonville could be looking at a late-round draft pick in exchange for the RB.
The team that lands him will be getting a productive player in return. Fournette has compiled two 1,000-yard seasons and 17 touchdowns. In 2019, he showed value as a pass-catcher with 522 yards on a whopping 76 receptions.
Here’s why Fournette makes sense for the Steelers: Pittsburgh is in win-now mode. Fournette fits the mold of the Steelers — he is a grinder who can catch out of the backfield and block. He’s the kind of proven feature back that the Steelers are looking for. Team offseason workouts will be limited if not eliminated, so a veteran who’s been there, done that fits. Securing an immediate starter would also allow the club to address other needs in the draft and postpone the RB position until 2021.
Here’s why Fournette doesn’t make sense: The Steelers would need to do some more contract restructuring to make the deal happen. Fournette has injury concerns dating back to LSU. Over his three-year career, he’s missed 11 games due to injury and served a one-game suspension stemming from an unsportsmanlike conduct ejection.
The Steelers are not being mentioned as potential suitors for Fournette, but I wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Kevin Colbert gives the Jags a call.