Miami Dolphins Rumors: Dolphins Have Inquired About Leonard Fournette

A new report indicates that the Miami Dolphins have looked into the possibility of acquiring Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette in a trade.

Just three years ago, Fournette was the fourth overall selection of the 2017 NFL draft and appeared to show the wisdom of that selection by rushing for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 36 receptions for 302 yards and another score.

During that rookie campaign, Fournette also showed off his game-breaking ability by scoring on a 90-yard touchdown run.

However, the combination of injuries and a suspension during the 2018 season limited Fournette to just 439 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, as well as 22 receptions and a touchdown.

The 25-year-old Fournette then bounced back strongly last season, rushing for 1,152 yards while scoring three times and snagging 76 receptions on the year.

Jacksonville’s reasoning for trading a player like Fournette could stem from the fact that even with that level of production, the team still finished out of the postseason in 2019 with a 6-10 record.

Entering this week’s draft, the Dolphins have a league-high 14 choices, including three first-rounders and six selections among the first 70 players. Those types of assets may be able to swing a deal for Fournette.

There is some irony attached to Fournette possibly joining the Dolphins, since his 2018 suspension stemmed from punching new Dolphins linebacker Shaq Lawson when the latter player was a member of the Buffalo Bills.

That play came in the aftermath of a contested catch, with Fournette running off the bench and then scuffling with Lawson. Fournette received a one-game suspension and Lawson was fined $33,425.

In reality, the incident took place during the course of a game and has likely been dismissed by both players since that time. Judging from the Dolphins’ apparent interest, they don’t appear to have any qualms about putting the two players on the same team.