NFL Rumors: Patriots make a run at Tom Brady’s former teammate

The New England Patriots have moved on from Tom Brady, but they might be interested in bringing in his former Bucs teammate for this season. 

With rumblings that the New England Patriots are the current favorites to sign Dalvin Cook, they could be looking for a Tom Brady connection to line up in the backfield.

No, they aren’t luring TB12 out of retirement to tote the rock, but they are expressing interest in one of his former Buccaneers teammates.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are bringing in free agent running back, Leonard Fournette, for a workout.

NFL Rumors: Leonard Fournette to the Patriots?

Fournette was released by the Buccaneers this offseason as the Bucs have started to prepare for life after Brady. Fournette and Brady spent the last three seasons in Tampa Bay and won a Super Bowl together.

Turning 29 in January, the former fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft has certainly experienced some highs and lows throughout his six NFL seasons, but he has proven he can be a difference-maker on the field. However, he struggled last season.

Lombardi Lenny saw his rushing yards per attempt dip from 4.5 in 2021 to 3.5 in 2022. Alternatively, he also recorded a new career-high in receiving yards (523) while hauling in 73 receptions.

Assessing Leonard Fournette’s fit with the Patriots

Fournette may not necessarily need to worry about his rushing totals declining, as Rhamondre Stevenson is assuredly going to handle the bulk of the carries out of the Pats backfield. But, he’d be able to make his presence felt as both a receiver and pass-blocker.

Fournette would prove to be a reliable and capable depth option behind Stevenson going forward if he is able to leave New England with a contract, which is no guarantee given the current state of the running back position in the NFL.