This Bengals-Jaguars Leonard Fournette Trade Would Pair Joe Burrow With Another LSU Superstar
By Scott Rogust
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Leonard Fournette in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft in hopes of him being their franchise running back for the next decade. As it turns out, once said rusher banged on the table for Cam Newton over Gardner Minshew, he was officially on the trading block.
Fournette is coming off an impressive 1,152 rushing yards and 522 receiving yard campaign in 2019, which makes him a great addition for whichever team that successfully negotiates a trade with the Jaguars. If we must suggest one team that should trade for Fournette, it's the Cincinnati Bengals.
The #Jaguars were unable to trade Leonard Fournette last weekend even for a late-round pick and now on Friday they declined a 5th-year option on him and signed passing-down back Chris Thompson. I wouldn't be shocked if Fournette is not on the team to start 2020.
— Dan Clasgens (@DanClasgens) May 2, 2020
To the surprise of no one, the Bengals used their first-overall pick to select LSU quarterback Joe Burrow. If they want success with their signal caller of the future, they need to supply him with the necessary weapons. So, how about a former Tigers alum in Fournette?
What hurts the Jaguars in negotiations is the diminishing value of running backs in the NFL. They won't get a first or second round selection for Fournette like in year's past. But considering the Bengals aren't expected to contend for the playoffs next season, they can easily flip their 2021 fourth-round pick to Jacksonville to secure Fournette's services. That's good value for the Jaguars.
I know the Bengals won’t go after Leonard Fournette but he’d work well with joe mixon and he’s a tiger for Joe burrow ??♂️
— Eastside Johnny (@Joe_Phelix23) April 20, 2020
In 2021, the Bengals will have over $85 million in cap space available to build a winning franchise. If they were to make this trade, Cincinnati can see whether Fournette or Joe Mixon are truly worth a lucrative contract. They can have an unofficial competition throughout the 2020 season, while taking the pressure off Burrow's shoulders.
It's a wise move that the Bengals should seriously consider.