Kansas City Chiefs appear interested in Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette cleared waivers and it appears that the Kansas City Chiefs have some interest in signing him.
It wasn’t all that shocking when the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to waive Leonard Fournette. It never felt like the two were destined to be together long-term, so the Jaguars cut their losses two weeks before the season.
Fournette cleared waivers and, as a result, is a free agent.
According to FanSided’s Matt Verderame, the Kansas City Chiefs do have an interest in potentially bringing Fournette into their backfield for the 2020 season.
My understanding is the Chiefs have potential interest in Leonard Fournette now that he's cleared waivers.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) September 1, 2020
The money would need to be right as he'd be backing up Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has impressed considerably in training camp.
The Chiefs struggled to get their run game going last year, but they drafted Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round to help out in that department. Initially, Edwards-Helaire was going to be a backup, but now due to Damien Williams’ opt-out, he’ll be the main man grabbing the hand-off from Patrick Mahomes.
Fournette isn’t someone the Chiefs really need to bring in, but the fact that they’re interested in him isn’t shocking in the least bit. He was drafted the same year as Mahomes, going six picks before Mahomes did, and wasn’t a slouch in Jacksonville by any means.
Fournette rushed for 2,631 yards and 17 touchdowns over three years and had over 1,100 rushing yards this past season. He has had some injury history and can be incredibly inconsistent, but he provides someone who can run with the ball and catch the ball effectively.
Former Jaguars’ RB Leonard Fournette officially went unclaimed on waivers today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2020
Fournette — who has rushed for 2,631 yards and 17 touchdowns since being drafted fourth overall in 2017 — is now a free agent.
If the money is right, then signing Fournette isn’t a huge deal as long as he knows he won’t be the starter over Edwards-Helaire. Perhaps that would take a lot of pressure off of the former LSU standout and he’d be better as a backup.
The Chiefs don’t necessarily need a backup behind Edwards-Helaire, as they have plenty of options there, but Fournette would immediately be the most experienced of the bunch. He’d be a legitimate weapon in an already legitimate offense, but is this a deal the Chiefs have to make?
They’d be better off saving whatever money they’d spend on Fournette on a potential cornerback or linebacker to help out this season.
What do you think, Chiefs Kingdom? Would you be okay with the team signing Leonard Fournette or do you think they should pass and let someone else take the risk?