Perfect offensive weapon just became available for Patriots to sign
Although we're just a few weeks away from the start of training camp, the Patriots still have room on their roster for improvements. Fortunately for them, there are a handful of free agents who would be more than worth signing ahead of the 2024 season.
Besides the added depth needed on the defense, most of the troubles appear to lie in the offense. The focus has been on finding a proven left tackle to help fill the void left by Trent Brown, especially with the only options being an unproven veteran and two rookies.
And while that should still be addressed, a Super Bowl Champion with previous Patriots ties just became available, and might just be the perfect addition to put the offense over the top.
Who might that player be? Running back Leonard Fournette.
Free-agent RB Leonard Fournette is motivated to continue his NFL career, intends to sign with a team before the season, and has hired his former agent Ari Nissim, and Pat Capra, both of @ChaseYourLegend, to help in that pursuit. “Leonard’s in the best shape of his career and I…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 9, 2024
Leonard Fournette could be the right guy for the job in New England
With Rhamondre Stevenson expected to lead the backfield, with Antonio Gibson playing his number two, it might not look like the running backs need much help. However, beyond those two, there isn't solid depth in case either starter suffers an injury, creating concern for an offense expected to rely heavily on their run game.
That's where Fournette comes in and should be a name that Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf look into signing.
The Patriots have been previously interested in signing the running back during Bill Belichick's tenure, with Fournette even taking a visit with the team before re-signing with the Bucs. He was an impressive dual threat option for Tom Brady from 2020 to 2022 and looked to continue his championship pursuit with the Bucs in 2023.
Unfortunately, that didn't work well for a few reasons, one of which was the decision to sign with the Bills. It's a step above the Jets, but not much.
The other was his lack of integration into their offensive game plan, likely due to James Cook's breakout second season. Fournette isn't the player he once was, but he's still a viable option in a backup role the Patriots could greatly benefit from.
He's a trusted runner and a great option in the passing game, which Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye could utilize often. Because the offense remains questionable, adding a player who can do whatever he's asked is invaluable, and at this point in his career, Fournette won't be expensive to add.
So why not get the deal done now?
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