5 landing spots for Leonard Fournette in 2022 NFL free agency

TAMPA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Leonard Fournette #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Dec 5, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a call at the line of scrimmage during the second half of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Atlanta Falcons. 4.. player. NFC. South. 44

Another team in desperate need of help at the running back position are the Atlanta Falcons.

This past season, the Falcons ran for 85.4 yards per game, which was the second-worst average in that category this past season. Only the Houston Texans were worse (83.6).

The Falcons do not have a ton of cap space, as they are $6 million over the cap threshold in the 2022 league year. It certainly does not help that quarterback Matt Ryan is set to carry a gargantuan $48.7 million cap hit. But, Atlanta’s front office can fix that issue by restructuring his contract.

Atlanta already has their top running back option hitting free agency in wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. As Atlanta’s do-everything player, Patterson ran for 618 yards and six touchdowns on 153 carries.

If the Falcons are to lose Patterson in free agency, they could pivot to signing Fournette. That could help them in capture the NFC South title, which is now wide open after Brady’s retirement.

Home/Atlanta Falcons