Fansided

5 running backs who are massively overpaid

By Rucker Haringey

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets delivers a stiff arm against Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the New York Jets delivers a stiff arm against Julian Stanford #51 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 19: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during a game against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on September 19, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

4. Leonard Fournette

Fourntee is the most productive running back on this list but that’s not a massive compliment. The fact that the Jaguars front office tried desperately to offload him in a trade this offseason illustrates just what an overpriced commodity he is.

The former LSU standout is slated to make just over $6.7 million in the final year of his current contract. Like Drake, he’ll struggle to match those terms when he hits free agency.

Unlike Drake, Fournette has a strong history of production to tout to teams interested in acquiring him in the future. He’s never going to be a big play back, but he can grind out a lot of yards if he’s given a high volume of carries.

He’s just not dynamic enough to deserve big money. He only averaged 4.3 yards per carry a season ago and that represented the best mark of his career. The fact that he also caught 76 passes last season doesn’t boost his value that much. His 6.9 yards per catch average also illustrates Fournette’s inability to make big plays. Soaking up touches in a mediocre offense just isn’t that valuable.

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