Jaguars expect to go into season with Fournette

Despite frequent trade speculation, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to have Leonard Fournette on the roster when the 2020 season begins.

"There were just some minor discussions with that but nothing substantial throughout the draft or prior to the draft," general manager Dave Caldwell told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. "I think the mindset is that we're going to go forward with Leonard on the team. I had a good talk with him on Friday. I know Coach (Doug) Marrone has had some discussion with him. He seems to be in great shape and mental frame of mind, and we feel that he'll have a great season this year."

The Jaguars declined the 2021 option on Fournette's rookie contract and were rumored to have been shopping the former No. 4 pick.

Fournette rushed for a career-high 1,152 yards and three touchdowns in 2019. He had a breakout campaign as a receiver, tallying 76 catches for 522 yards. Still, the former LSU star hasn't fulfilled the aspirations Jacksonville once had for him.

Fournette has also drawn the ire of coaches and management at times throughout his tenure. He clamored for the Jaguars to sign Cam Newton to potentially supplant Gardner Minshew as the starting quarterback before the draft, which led Marrone to suggest the running back may have to explain himself to Minshew.

"I'm sure they'll be on the same page, they're both professional guys, and I'm sure a lot of it was taken out of context from my understanding," Caldwell said of the relationship between the backfield mates. "Gardner's a tremendous leader and I think Leonard will do his best and put his best foot forward ... I don't know what's taken place but I'm sure it won't be an issue."

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