Leonard Fournette Signs with Buffalo Bills: Boosting the Team’s Running Back Depth
The Buffalo Bills have made a significant addition to their roster by signing veteran running back Leonard Fournette. Fournette’s agents, David Canter and Ness Mugrabi, announced the signing on Monday. The move comes at a crucial time for the Bills, as they have been dealing with injuries to their running backs.
Fournette has passed a physical and will start on the practice squad initially. This signing comes after the team placed Damien Harris on injured reserve due to a neck strain and his ongoing concussion protocol. Harris suffered a major injury in the team’s Week 6 win over the New York Giants, which resulted in him being taken off the field in an ambulance.
The availability of Harris later in the season remains uncertain, according to coach Sean McDermott. With Harris sidelined, Fournette will join a Bills depth chart led by second-year player James Cook, who has been impressive with 486 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The team also has veterans Latavius Murray and Ty Johnson in their running back rotation.
Fournette was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the start of the 2023 league year. The veteran running back clarified that it was a mutual decision and there is no bad blood between him and the franchise.
While Murray has started the last three games for the Bills, Cook has seen an increased workload during that span. Cook has almost doubled Murray’s carries (41 to 21) and has played more snaps overall (58% to 41%). Cook has also been a reliable receiving option with 18 receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown this season.
Johnson was signed to the active roster in response to Harris’ injury but left the team without a running back on the practice squad. Murray has been utilized in goal-line situations, with five carries inside the five-yard line, but has only managed one yard and one touchdown. Fournette, on the other hand, had four goal-line carries and three touchdowns last season.
Fournette’s signing with the Bills comes after a successful stint with the Buccaneers. Last offseason, he signed a three-year deal worth $21 million, which could have reached $24 million with incentives. Fournette cited Tom Brady’s retirement as a factor in his decision to leave Tampa Bay.
In the 2022 season, Fournette showcased his versatility by rushing for 668 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing 523 receiving yards and three touchdown catches in 16 games. During the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl run, Fournette earned the nickname “Playoff Lenny” and “Lombardi Lenny” for his impressive performances. He led the team with 448 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in their championship-winning campaign.
Throughout his career, which began with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected fourth overall in the 2017 draft, Fournette has accumulated 6,697 total yards and 41 touchdowns. His addition to the Bills’ roster brings valuable experience and playmaking ability to their backfield.
In conclusion, the Buffalo Bills have made a significant move by signing Leonard Fournette to bolster their running back depth. With injuries impacting their backfield, Fournette’s arrival provides a much-needed boost to the team. His versatility and proven track record make him a valuable asset for the Bills as they continue their pursuit of success in the NFL.