Report: Patriots, Buccaneers among teams interested in Fournette

The New England Patriots have expressed interest in free-agent running back Leonard Fournette, a source told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.

Several other teams are also making a push to sign Fournette, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sources told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

The Jacksonville Jaguars waived Fournette after three seasons Monday, and he went unclaimed on waivers Tuesday.

The 25-year-old racked up 1,000-plus rushing yards in two of his three seasons with the Jaguars, but he failed to meet high expectations after being selected fourth overall in 2017.

The LSU product appeared in 36 games over the last three years, averaging 1,169 rushing yards (four yards per carry) and eight touchdowns per 16 games played. He also averaged 60 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown.

In 2019, Fournette posted 1,152 yards and three scores through 15 games while also catching 70 passes for 522 yards.

The Patriots struggled to run the ball in 2019, ranking 25th in yards per carry and 18th in rushing offense.

New England's depth chart is currently loaded at running back, featuring leading runner Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, and Damien Harris, as well as pass-catching back James White and Lamar Miller, who the team signed to a one-year deal in August.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers ranked 28th in yards per rushing attempt last season. Tampa Bay, which invested a second-round pick in running back Ronald Jones in 2018, added to the position this offseason with veteran LeSean McCoy and third-round rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn.

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