The New England Patriots made a splurge during the start of the 2021 free agency by signing the likes of Ted Karras, Nelson Agholor, Hunter Henry, Kyle Van Noy, and Matthew Judon.
This offseason, Bill Belichick’s team is relatively staying put, though they’ve retained Matthew Slater and James White.
The Patriots also claimed cornerback Terrance Mitchell from the Houston Texans and Ty Montgomery from the New Orleans Saints.
However, the AFC East squad isn’t done with tinkering their squad.
After all, Belichick always finds value, be it via players from other teams or through the draft.
This time, ESPN’s Field Yates revealed the push that New England will be making.
The Patriots are hosting free agent RB Leonard Fournette on a visit today, per source.
The 27-year old is coming off of the best all around season of his career with 812 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD and 69 catches for 454 yards in 2021.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 21, 2022
Yates said, “The Patriots are hosting free agent RB Leonard Fournette on a visit today, per source. The 27-year-old is coming off the best all-around season of his career with 812 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD, and 69 catches for 454 yards in 2021.”
Getting the Super Bowl champion will be a big boost for New England, especially because how the run game is a sneaky but devastating part of their attack.
Therefore, Fournette’s versatility will make him a menace from the backfield.
His presence will also help Mac Jones have more options around him.
What Would It Take To Sign Fournette?
Undoubtedly, Fournette outplayed the $3.25 million he earned last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But the main argument against running backs is that they don’t age gracefully.
They won’t become the same explosive runner they once were, leaving them unwanted.
However, Fournette has at least two or three great years left in him before the nosedive in talent.
That said, the Patriots should offer him a three-year deal to lock him in during the remaining prime years of his career.
If possible, an annual average value of $4 to $6 million would be fair for both parties.
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