The Jacksonville Jaguars made a huge move on Monday morning by waiving running back Leonard Fournette.
Fournette was clearly causing problems within the organization, but the team’s decision to unceremoniously part ways with him was a bit of a surprise after he had 265 rushes for 1,152 yards and three touchdowns with 76 catches and 522 receiving yards in 2019. It seemed like they’d, at least, be able to get a draft pick in return for the running back, the No. 4 overall pick in 2017. Yet they released Fournette, getting nothing in return.
This comes after the team traded star pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue to the Minnesota Vikings. It seems all is not well in Jacksonville.
We have waived RB Leonard Fournette.
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) August 31, 2020
After seeing the news of Founette’s release, NFL fans were clearly stunned.
https://t.co/perCwyZSq7 pic.twitter.com/HyDM1JSMHQ
— Cory Woodroof (@CoryWoodroof47) August 31, 2020
And the dumbest franchise award goes to the Jaguars!!!! @_fournette is a beast https://t.co/1ki1PYSxTS
— Jacks (@gooz3585) August 31, 2020
Is there something behind the scenes I don’t know about Fournette and the Jags, or are they just Jagging?
— Nick Meals (@nickmeals) August 31, 2020
Convinced my boyfriend to draft fournette for fantasy 12 hours ago and he is not happy with me this morning 😔😔
— OG macy mae (@MacyMae97) August 31, 2020
I mean…. the Jacksonville Jaguars have Chris Thompson and Ryquell Armstead as our RBs. How we just gonna release Fournette?? FOR NOTHING!? pic.twitter.com/td3Ob9LF9M
— Kyle Brooks (@KBrooksy2) August 31, 2020
After the initial shock wore off, some answers emerged. Reporters reminded fans that Fournette had been on the trade block for quite some time. Apparently, even with a low asking price, the Jaguars couldn’t get anything in return for the running back.
The next question: Where will he land?
He’s still in his prime and could contribute to teams that need help in the backfield, like the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears, the Los Angeles Rams or the Washington Redskins. He may not be a free agent for long.
