Patriots 'In' on Leonard Fournette; ‘Out’ on Dalvin Cook?

The New England Patriots are linked to running backs Dalvin Cook and Leonard Fournette prior to the start of training camp.

FOXBORO — With one week remaining until the start of training camp, the New England Patriots may be making an addition to their corps of running backs 

However, it is not the player for which many within the fan base have been clamoring for since receiver DeAndre Hopkins decided to take his talents to Music City. 

Despite having been linked — by both media analysts and the oddsmakers — to four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook, the Pats hosted Super Bowl LV champion Leonard Fournette for a workout on Tuesday, per an NFL Network report. 

The six-year veteran spent his first three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Bucs and ex-Patriot Tom Brady, prior to the 2020 season. Fournette worked out as a free agent for the Pats during the 2022 offseason, before agreeing to a three-year deal which allowed him to return Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers released Fournette in March. 

Having previously hosted Fournette for a workout last season, New England’s interest in his services should not be surprising. 

However, might their pursuit of the 28-year-old veteran rusher/backfield receiver indicate that they are less optimistic about signing Cook? The Patriots primary competition in pursuing Cook, the Miami Dolphins, are undoubtedly keeping a sharp eye on the situation.

Fournette kind of similar to former Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount and if he signs with NE, pretty much eliminates the Pats as competition for Dalvin Cook (one would think). https://t.co/6Arb7Od5Iz

— Alain Poupart (@PoupartNFL) July 19, 2023

While some consider Fournette’s prime years to be behind him, he is still capable of being a significant contributor on the ground, as well as a backfield receiver. He played in 16 games last season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting nine. The LSU product finished with 1,191 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns through 262 offensive touches. He averaged 3.5 yards per ground attempt and caught 73 passes.

Conversely, Cook is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns. During the Vikings’ Wild Card match against the New York Giants, Cook had 15 carries for 60 rushing yards and 6 receptions for 10 yards in the 24-31 loss.

Still, Minnesota cut ties with their top rusher for financial reasons in early June. Cook was set to earn base salaries of $10.4 million in 2023 and $11.9 million in 2024. Initial reports indicated that he was seeking a deal which his new team would pay him similarly. At present, it is unclear as to whether Cook has lowered his asking price. It is almost certain that Fournette would carry a more affordable price tag; thus allowing the team to maintain some salary cap flexibility with which to operate in the upcoming season. 

The Patriots may also see Fournette as a better logistical match within their system. Cook’s style is more conducive to zone; primarily inside, with additional looks outside, as well. Though has the skill set and veteran savvy to become equally potent on the ground, as well as receiving out of the backfield, Fournette’s backfield receiving ability on third downs makes him a more comfortable fit in New England’s rushing offense. 

The Patriots will hold their first training camp practice on July 26. Whether Fournette or Cook is a part of their corps of running backs to help lessen the workload of top back Rhamondre Stevenson remains something on which to keep close watch in the coming days. 

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