On Monday, veteran running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Dalvin Cook both signed with new teams. Elliot joined the New England Patriots and Cook also went to the AFC East, joining the New York Jets. That leaves Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette as the two biggest veteran running backs that are still available.
There’s a belief that both backs’ time on the market could be coming to an end soon. Hunt, recently had visits with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, but didn’t agree to anything. One expert believes the Colts could turn their attention to Fournette now.
Maurice Moton, in a recent piece for Bleacher Report, named the best fits for the top available free agents. For Leonard Fournette, Moton selected Indianapolis as the best fit.
Colts named best fit for Leonard Fournette
With Jonathan Taylor on the PUP list, and his contract dispute, and Zack Moss currently sidelined with a broken arm, Moton argues that Indianapolis could bring in Fournette to help fill the void in the running back room. That’s certainly an option. Fournette has a ton of experience in the league and would likely be signed to a team-friendly deal.
He’s been in the NFL since 2017, when he was drafted fourth-overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his six seasons, Fournette has run for 1,000 yards in a single season twice. Most recently, he spent the last three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 14 games in 2021, Fournette ran for 812 yards and eight touchdowns on 180 carries. In 2022, he had 189 carries for 668 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games.
If Fournette comes to the Colts, he won’t be asked to be the feature back. He’ll be apart of a committee until Taylor’s situation is figured out. For that reason, the Colts may not be that alluring for Fournette. However, depending on his market, Indy could be his best option.