The Chicago Bears could solve their depth at running back with a single move, following some breaking news.
Over the course of the offseason, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has seemingly ignored the running back position. With David Montgomery going down to a groin injury just a few days ago, the team is in need of some serious depth.
Fortunately, the Jacksonville Jaguars just made headlines by releasing former 2017 no. 4 overall pick Leonard Fournette.
Since around the time of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Jaguars had been trying to trade Fournette for essentially whatever they could get. Following the draft, there were a few reports of Jacksonville failing to snag even a seventh rounder for the running back, which is shocking.
His time in Jacksonville is now over, and likely because of character or personality issues. Fournette had gotten into a couple of altercations during games in the past, and his attitude hasn’t always been the best.
With that said, the Bears absolutely have to bring him in. Of course, the conditions would be serious. Head coach Matt Nagy is all about culture. Therefore, Fournette would need to understand from day one that he is held to a high standard.
Maybe a change of scenery is what he needed. Maybe there were deteriorating relationships behind the scenes. We don’t know the entire story. What we do know, however, is that he would fit perfectly with the Bears and their current situation.
RELATED PRODUCT
Chicago’s One Tru QB Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Even with Montomgery back in a few weeks, Fournette would be a phenomenal guy to have alongside splitting carries. The great thing about him is that he can actually catch the football. Prior to 2019, Fournette wasn’t exactly known as a pass-catching back.
But, last season, he caught a whopping 76 passes for 522 yards. He can, indeed, catch the ball.
Between his pair of 1,000-yard seasons and being only 25 years old, it seems too ideal a situation for Chicago. Anywhere Fournette would go at this point, he would obviously be held to a strict, tight standard and his attitude would have to be kept in check.
At this stage, Fournette has to know that his career depends on how his next opportunity goes. Attitude and relationships speak volumes, in addition to talent. It’s not all about the football field — he has to act like a man of character as well.
It remains to be seen just what exactly happened behind the scenes in Jacksonville, and if that will put a damper on his chances of landing a job. But, I would assume Fournette isn’t without a team for very long. The talent is too great to pass up. Are you listening, Mr. Pace?
