As with nearly every release of a high-profile player looking for a change of scenery, the New England Patriots were instantly floated as a potential landing spot for free-agent running back Leonard Fournette, who was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars after three seasons.
However, Fournette may have to look elsewhere for employment. According to NFL Network's Mike Giardi, a source within the Patriots organization does not think the team is interested in the former LSU star.
Fournette cleared waivers on Tuesday, as no team was willing to take on the $4 million left on his contract. Considering the Jaguars couldn't even swap him for a conditional late-round pick, Fournette clearing waivers should come as no surprise.
The Patriots and Josh McDaniels are revamping their offense without Tom Brady as the Week 1 starter for the first time in 2001—and it looks like Cam Newton will start the season under center.
New England is deep at running back on paper, with Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, and Lamar Miller on the roster. But Michel is still injured after undergoing offseason foot injury and the veteran Miller is coming off a torn ACL.
Harris, a second-year back, has gotten most of the snaps in Michel's absence, and seems to be the presumptive favorite to be the team's primary back when the season begins.
Fournette is a capable two-down back, but the Patriots like to feature their backs in the passing game—an area where Fournette still needs to show major improvement.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay also stated Tuesday that L.A. didn't have interest in acquiring Fournette:
“He's a good player but we feel good about the guys we have in house. We're not looking at anyone externally,” McVay told the L.A. Times.
Fournette may or may not have a new team when the NFL season kicks off on Sept. 10.
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