Ten days away from the start of the long-awaited 2020 NFL season, and things keep getting worse for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Leonard Fournette, the 25-year old fourth overall pick of the 2017 draft, is seeing his days end in Florida after so much hope and hype around the young prodigy. After battling injury and obvious franchise frustration, the Jaguars opted to not activate a fifth-year option for their once prized possession earlier this year. They finally pulled the plug altogether, officially waiving Fournette Monday morning.
Fournette will most likely receive his $4.17 million base salary regardless of the decision, but the Jaguars could put up a fight to try and avoid paying it (or at least trying to settle). The move comes just one day after Jacksonville parted ways with their standout defensive monster Yannick Ngakoue, who was traded to the Vikings for draft picks.
Here’s what Fournette had to say about the release —
“First, I want to thank the city of Jacksonville and all of the fans for embracing me the past three seasons,” Fournette said in a statement following his release. “We have been through some ups and downs but y’all have had my back through it all. You have my deepest respect and appreciation. I would like to thank the Jaguars organization for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. To all my brothers in the locker room from 2017 until today, y’all are family for life. I wish each of you the absolute best in your careers.
“I am excited about what will come next for myself. Wherever that may be, know that you will get a player who is focused, motivated, and ready to get to work. God is great.”
It is becoming clearer and clearer now that the organization plans to tank for a high draft pick for the 2021 NFL Draft, having now let two of their more prominent players walk for next to nothing. Don’t be surprised to see Fournette get scooped up by another team desperate at running back depth over the next few days.
