The Buffalo Bills have been linked to running backs in NFL trade rumors for weeks. Hours out from the NFL trade deadline, the Bills are reportedly signing Leonard Fournette.
Fournette, a Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hasn’t generated a ton of interest since he became a free agent this offseason. Only 28 years old, Fournette visited the New England Patriots in July but a deal never materialized.
- Leonard Fournette stats 2022: 668 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 3.5 yards per carry, 73 receptions, 523 receiving yards, 7.2 yards per reception
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After that, the free-agent market was quiet for the 6-foot, 220-pound running back. He was reportedly supposed to visit the Bills’ facility earlier this month for a workout, but it didn’t happen. Fortunately for the veteran, he’s now found a home.
Fournette told Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report that he is currently in Buffalo and plans to sign a deal with the Bills today.
- Leonard Fournette career stats: 4,478 rushing yards, 34 rushing touchdowns, 4 yards per carry, 312 receptions, 2,219 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns
While many see Fournette’s side and view him as a power back, that’s not his game. Last season with the Buccaneers, Fournette was one of the most heavily used pass-catching backs in the NFL. In 16 games, he drew 83 targets with career-highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (523) and receiving touchdowns (three).
However, he is still a fairly effective goal-line back. According to Pro Football Reference, Fournette converted eight carries from inside the 5-yard line into touchdowns. It puts him in similar company as Najee Harris, Kenneth Walker and Jonathan Taylor last season.
Importantly, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Fournette is joining the Bills’ practice squad this week. Given the effectiveness of James Cook (4.8 yards per carry) this season and Latavius Murray’s role in this offense – 216 scrimmage yards on 50 touches – Fournette likely faces a long road to making a significant impact in Buffalo.