Leonard Fournette just had a terrific bounce-back season after a miserable 2018. But John Reid of The Florida Times-Union doesn't think it's a sure thing that the Jacksonville Jaguars with pick up his fifth-year option.
Fournette's option would pay him $10.1 million for the 2021 campaign. Reid notes that he thinks the Jaguars should bypass the option and wait to see how he performs in 2020 before considering an extension with the running back.
Reid goes on to say that if Fournette does have another good year next season, that Jacksonville would then either have a dependable performer or a solid trade asset if the club does decide to extend him.
In 15 games in 2019, Fournette racked up 1,152 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. It represents the most efficient season of his NFL career to date. In addition, Fournette developed more as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, hauling in 76 receptions for 522 yards. For reference, Fournette totaled 58 catches in 2017 and 2018 combined.
The 25-year-old, who played his collegiate football at LSU, was originally selected by the Jags with the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 13 contests during his rookie season, finishing with 1,040 yards and nine scores while logging 3.9 yards per attempt. He also added 306 yards and a touchdown through the air.
After his promising rookie year, Fournette took a major step back in 2018, with injuries limiting him to just eight games as he totaled 439 yards while reaching the end zone five times as a rusher, recording a meager 3.3 yards per attempt.
The Jaguars went 6-10 this past season.
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