A lot of people weren’t happy with the Chicago Bears ground game in 2019. Naturally, this led to a lot of dissatisfaction with David Montgomery. The rookie running back averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and too often struggled to get going. With their young quarterback struggling, the inability to balance the offense ended up haunting the Bears all the way to their 8-8 finish. Now some are wondering if they should consider a change. Would Leonard Fournette interest them?
The 25-year old former 1st round pick rushed for 1,153 yards in 2019. He was the focal point of the Jacksonville Jaguars offense for most of the season after Nick Foles went down with injury. However, it appears he’s gotten himself in hot water with the organization after openly urging the team to sign free agent quarterback Cam Newton. Whether deliberate or unintentional, it was a shot at popular Jaguars starter Gardner Minshew.
Now Adam Schefter is reporting Jacksonville is shopping the running back. That raises the inevitable question. Should the Bears be interested? Fournette is certainly more talented than Montgomery. However, he’s also more expensive at $4.16 million this season. Not to mention its the last of his rookie deal unless the Bears were to pick up his 5th year option.
Leonard Fournette isn’t worth it for the Bears
One thing about Fournette is he’s proven he can still be productive behind questionable offensive lines. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry last season and the Jaguars front wasn’t exactly stellar at times. Still, the reality is the Bears should steer clear of him. Giving up a draft pick for a running back who already has 800 touches in his career in bad business. Especially with him being able to quickly exit in 2021.
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Not to mention the reason he’s in this situation which is his tendency to open his mouth. Something that has routinely been a thing since college. That isn’t the kind of player the Bears typically want in their locker room. The coaches have expressed optimism with Montgomery and he did have over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. So it’s not like he was a complete dud. Give him better blocking and he can be effective.
