NFL Rumors: Leonard Fournette Contract Eyed by Colts; RB Played for Bills in 2023

Veteran running back Leonard Fournette is visiting with the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Fournette appeared in two games with the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 season before entering free agency. The 29-year-old operated in a reserve role with the Bills, racking up just 40 yards on 12 carries.

Fournette was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, winning a Super Bowl as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.

His best seasons occurred as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording a career-high 1,674 yards from scrimmage in 2019. Fournette also made progress as a receiver towards the end of his Buccaneers tenure, hauling in 142 catches for 977 yards during his final two years with the team.

Schefter previously reported that the running back is "motivated to continue his NFL career" after hiring former agents Ari Nissim and Pat Capra on July 9.

"Leonard's in the best shape of his career and I expect he will have a new home soon," Nissim said, per Schefter.

Fournette's days of being a workhorse are behind him, but he can still serve as a reserve option for a Colts team that is expected to lean heavily on the run game with Anthony Richardson back under center for the 2024 season. Indianapolis averaged 121.1 yards per game on the ground in 2023, the No. 10 mark among all NFL teams.

Jonathan Taylor should still receive the bulk of the Colts' rush attempts even if Fournette is signed, although the depth behind the All-Pro running back is mostly unproven. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson are currently behind Taylor, but they only have three combined starts throughout their respective careers.

If Colts general manager Chris Ballard wants a veteran option in the backfield, Fournette could stay in Indianapolis if his visit goes well.