Veteran RB Leonard Fournette intends to make an NFL return for the 2025 season and expects to be a starter.
Fournette, who sat out the 2024 season, is determined to make a comeback.
“I will be back playing next year and starting……. 7,” Fournette wrote on X.
Fournette, 30, last played for the Bills in 2023 and rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries (3.3 YPC) in two games.
There’s been no reported interest in Fournette this offseason.
Leonard Fournette Aims for NFL Comeback in 2025, Eyes Starting Role Despite Challenges
Veteran running back Leonard Fournette has set his sights on returning to the NFL for the 2025 season, with the bold ambition of securing a starting role. After sitting out the entire 2024 season, the 30-year-old expressed his determination on X, stating, “I will be back playing next year and starting……. 7.” However, with no reported interest from teams this offseason and a modest performance in his last NFL appearance, Fournette faces an uphill battle to achieve his goal.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Fournette entered the NFL with significant promise as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly showcased his potential, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. His career peaked during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played a key role in their Super Bowl LV victory in 2020, earning the nickname “Playoff Lenny” for his standout postseason performances. However, recent years have seen a decline in his production. In 2022 with the Buccaneers, he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and his most recent stint with the Buffalo Bills in 2023 was limited to two games, where he managed only 40 yards on 12 carries (3.3 YPC).
Challenges Ahead
At 30 years old, Fournette is at an age where many running backs begin to see their careers taper off due to the position’s intense physical demands. The NFL running back market further complicates his aspirations, as teams often prioritize younger, more cost-effective players from the draft or on rookie contracts. His recent performance—3.3 yards per carry in 2023, matching a career-low from 2018 with the Jaguars—does little to bolster his case. Additionally, the lack of reported interest from teams this offseason suggests that NFL franchises may be hesitant to invest in him, particularly as a starter. Despite this, Fournette’s agent claimed in July 2024 that the running back was in the best shape of his career, though this optimism has yet to spark any tangible opportunities.
A Glimmer of Hope
Fournette’s career has not been without resilience. After struggling in 2018, he rebounded impressively in 2019 with the Jaguars, rushing for 1,152 yards. His proven ability to perform in high-stakes playoff games could also appeal to teams seeking experienced depth or veteran leadership. The NFL’s unpredictable nature—marked by injuries, roster shifts, and unexpected openings—means that opportunities could still arise before the 2025 season kicks off in September. Training camps, typically beginning in late July, may provide Fournette a chance to showcase his skills in workouts or tryouts. Yet, even if he secures a roster spot, earning a starting position would demand exceptional performance to outshine younger competitors.
Determination Meets Reality
Leonard Fournette’s resolve to return to the NFL and start in 2025 is unmistakable, but the road ahead is daunting. His age, recent statistical decline, and the absence of team interest present formidable obstacles. While his past successes and confidence hint at the possibility of a comeback, the current landscape of the league suggests that becoming a starter may be more aspirational than realistic. As the 2025 season nears, Fournette’s ability to prove his worth—whether through physical conditioning or on-field results—will determine if he can defy the odds and reclaim a prominent role in the NFL. For now, his journey remains a compelling storyline of determination tempered by the challenges of a competitive and ever-evolving sport.