JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have waived RB Leonard Fournette, the team announced Monday morning.
Fournette was in the final year of his contract. Head Coach Doug Marrone said it was the best decision for the team and the best opportunity for skill set of the team.
“I’m doing everything I can to make sure that we have the best team to win football games. That’s as simple as I can be on it”, Marrone said.
“The Fournette release is a culture and offensive philosophy move. Simple as that. They are building this offense around Minshew and they think their are better vibes in the building without Fournette around. That’s it,” Action Sports Jax Brent Martineau said.
Marrone said it was never his intention to release Fournette when training camp began.
The 25-year-old running back is coming off a career year, though, the Associated Press reported. He topped 1,600 yards from scrimmage in 15 games last season, carrying 265 times for 1,152 yards and catching 76 passes for 522 yards. He only scored three touchdowns. He also fumbled just once in 341 touches.
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The former LSU star has 2,631 yards rushing, 1,009 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns in three seasons since he was now-fired personnel chief Coughlin’s first draft pick since returning to Jacksonville.
Fournette’s tenure in Jacksonville took a turn in 2018, which ended up being the worst season of his football life. He was injured, suspended and on the bench in crunch time. He was fined, criticized and admittedly not in ideal shape late in the year, the AP reported.