AFC Playoff Contender dubbed as Ideal Landing Spot for RB Leonard Fournette

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and running back Leonard Fournette have agreed mutually to part ways with one another. The Bucs are moving ahead with Rachaad White as their starter at the position, and received some cap help with the release of the veteran running back.

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With Fournette on his way to a new home, Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network believes that the Los Angeles Chargers would be an ideal destination for 'Playoff Lenny'.

There’s no question about who the lead back is in Los Angeles. Austin Ekeler is coming off a great year, producing 1,637 yards and 18 touchdowns on 311 touches. Turning 28 this offseason, Ekeler seems likely to hold out for a new contract after averaging just $6 million on his current deal.

The Chargers should pay Ekeler but also add more competent depth behind him. Backups Joshua Kelly, Sony Michel, and Isaiah Spiller were awful in 2022, showing a lack of burst and vision. LA was fortunate that Ekeler played in all 17 games, or else their run game would’ve been completely worthless.

Adding Fournette as a high-end backup can bolster an offense that has expensive playmakers but lacks depth. Sure, he’s a luxury, but if the team is resistant to paying Ekeler then they may need to pivot.

Fournette can offer similar results as a receiver if he’s needed to fill in for any amount of time.

Valentino was making the argument that the Chargers should look to add Fournette as a possible backup to Austin Ekeler. Since then, Ekeler has requested permission to speak to other teams as he seeks a trade.

Chargers’ RB Austin Ekeler is requesting permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade after preliminary talks with the team aimed at a contract extension did not progress, his agent Cameron Weiss told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023

Now that Ekeler is seeking a trade, the Chargers starting running back spot should be open for the taking. None of the three running backs currently on the Chargers' roster have shown to be the lead guy in their backfield, so maybe going with a committee approach led by Fournette would bolster the unit and give the others a shot at carving out a larger role for the team.

Fournette was known in Tampa for his work during the post-season and being able to get a fresh start on another team will give him the opportunity to finish his career out on a strong note instead of working with a team that could possibly be entering a rebuild sooner rather than later.

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