The Jacksonville Jaguars declined the fifth-year option for the 2021 season on Leonard Fournette’s contract, this week.

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The move comes as no surprise. The Jags have been trying to trade Fournette for the last month, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Coming off a career-year, Fournette will be paid $4.168 million by the Jags in 2020 and become a free agent immediately afterward.

In 2019, the former fourth overall pick rushed for 1,152 rushing yards and caught 76 passes. In total, he gained 1,674 yards from scrimmage, which ranked sixth in the league.

Moving on from Fournette will continue rising uncertainty in the Jaguars offense. The running-back recently suggested the team move on from quarterback Gardner Minshew and sign Cam Newton: “Cam went to the Super Bowl. He’s a great guy. I’ve been knowing Cam for a minute now. And like I told some people that talked to me, it’s no disrespect to [Gardner Minshew]. I’m just trying to get in the best position as a team as we can [to] win,” Fournette said during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. “That’s all that was about. Just friendly competition ’cause that brings out the best in people.”

The Jaguars went 6-10 in 2019.

[Via]

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are exploring options to trade running back Leonard Fournette. 

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"Jaguars have had trade discussions with other teams regarding RB Leonard Fournette, league sources tell ESPN. Fournette is due $4.16 million in base salary in 2020. It's a situation that bears watching as this week's draft approaches," Schefter said on Twitter. "Jaguars already scheduled to have 12 picks in this draft, tied with the Patriots and Vikings for second-most in league behind Miami’s 14. And this is before any potential trades for RB Leonard Fournette and DE Yannick Ngakoue."

The Jags, if they choose to, must exercise Fournette's fifth-year option by May 4.

Fournette's 1,152 rushing yards, last year, were a career-high for the fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He also caught 76 passes and recorded 1,674 yards from scrimmage, which ranked sixth in the league.

Fournette's strong showing last season helped silence critics. After his first two seasons in the NFL, Fournette's work ethic, commitment, and maturity came under scrutiny from his detractors.

During an appearance on ESPN's First Take, Fournette advocated for the team signing Cam Newton: "Cam went to the Super Bowl. He's a great guy. I've been knowing Cam for a minute now. And like I told some people that talked to me, it's no disrespect to [Gardner Minshew]. I'm just trying to get in the best position as a team as we can [to] win. That's all that was about. Just friendly competition 'cause that brings out the best in people."