Multiple NFL teams 'doing research' on Leonard Fournette

After being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, it sounds like running back Leonard Fournette may not remain without a team for too long. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports that several teams are "doing research" on Fournette before he becomes available.

Florio did not name any specific teams, but the interest in Fournette should not be surprising. While he has not turned into the game-changing back the Jaguars expected when they took him with the fourth pick of the 2017 draft, he's proved to be a talented runner and pass-catcher who should still have at least a few good seasons left at just 25 years old.

Last season was arguably the best of Fournette's three-year career. He rushed for 1,152 yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and he proved himself as a reliable target out of the backfield with 76 receptions and 522 receiving yards. In the right system, Fournette could still likely be a valuable contributor on offense.

The big question Fournette will face is if he will be given the chance to be a primary runner for a team or if he will be forced to take a backup role, especially with teams increasingly turning to running back committees rather than counting on a single runner to take on the bulk of carries. Based on what Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said about his difficulty finding a trade partner for Fournette, he may need to prepare for taking on a lesser role for whatever team he ends up with.