Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith talks to quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during a timeout against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Running back Leonard Fournette is reportedly set to explore free agency this offseason. Here are three teams that should sign him.
On the morning of Super Bowl 56, there was a bevy of NFL news dropping just hours before kickoff. It had mostly to do with offseason plans, considering the offseason officially begins once the winning team hoists the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 13. There were two stories that affected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and one did not have to do with the quarterback position.
According to FanSided’s Matt Lombardo, running back Leonard Fournette is set to test free agency this offseason.
Fournette is coming off a strong second year with the Buccaneers, as he ran for 812 yards and eight touchdowns on 180 carries in 14 regular-season games. He will no doubt receive interest from teams in need of a new running back, and there just so happens to be a couple who could give him an enticing offer.
Here are three potential landing spots for Fournette this offseason.
3.
Atlanta Falcons
NFC South
With Tom Brady retiring after 22 years, that leaves the NFC South wide open for the taking. The Atlanta Falcons can stick it to the Buccaneers by signing away their top running back, and it just so happens they need to improve their running game.
The Falcons had one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL last season. Well, second-worst in yards per game, to be specific. Atlanta only averaged 85.4 rushing yards per game, with the Houston Texans only being worse with 83.6.
Atlanta signed Mike Davis last season after he started in place of an injured Christian McCaffrey with the Carolina Panthers, and took a backseat to wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Davis put up 503 yards and three touchdowns on 138 carries while Patterson ran for 618 yards and six touchdowns on 153 attempts.
Patterson is set to become a free agent, and it would be wise for the Falcons to re-sign him. But, they need to add another quality running back to their depth chart to help ease the pressure off quarterback Matt Ryan. Signing Fournette could be a huge signing for them.