As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Leonard Fournette.
Leonard Fournette’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
After he had a career year in 2021, the Bucs signed Fournette to a three-year extension. Well, after one season, he’s gone.
In 2022, Fournette’s performance dropped precipitously. From a fantasy perspective, he went from finishing as the overall RB3, averaging 18.3 PPR fantasy points per game, to finishing as the overall RB12 at 14.2 ppg.
While Fournette’s production was fine from a fantasy perspective, his efficiency raises serious red flags. Fournette’s evaded-tackles-per-touch rate was just 20%. His yard per touch dropped from 5.1 to 4.5. Most concerningly, just 1.6% of Fournette’s carries went for at least 15 yards. His entire productivity was predicated on volume.
MORE: Fantasy Impact of Leonard Fournette’s Release on Rachaad White
Fournette did see a 12.2% target share. His 73 receptions were three off his career high, and his 523 receiving yards were a career-high. Even as his snap share dipped over the second half of the season, Fournette’s volume remained bankable. It kept him afloat.
Entering the 2023 season, Fournette will be 28 years old. Given how he looked in 2022, it’s fair to wonder if this is it for Fournette as a fantasy starter. If he doesn’t fall off a cliff this season, it’s very likely to happen in the next.
Additionally, the Bucs drafted Rachaad White in the third round of last year’s draft. He took the starting job and worked his way into a timeshare by the second half of the season. This undoubtedly contributed some part to Fournette asking for his release, which was granted by the Bucs.
Leonard Fournette’s Fantasy Ranking
We have a 28-year-old running back who was woefully inefficient last season now looking for presumably a starting job on a new team where he most definitely will not be playing with Tom Brady.
Wherever Fournette ends up, he’s unlikely to see anywhere near the receiving volume he saw in Tampa Bay. Will his opportunity share get anywhere close to what it was in 2021? Will he be on a good offense? Will he be the guy, or just one of two guys?
Even coming off an RB1 season, Fournette’s ranking of RB35, No. 116 overall in our latest dynasty Superflex rankings makes sense.
We can confidently say we’ve already seen Fournette’s best season. I would be very surprised if he was even able to get close to what he did in 2022.
Fournette is an asset declining in value. You only want those types of players if you think they can make a difference in helping you win this year. Sadly, I do not believe Fournette is that guy. I think 2023 will be the last season in which Fournette has fantasy relevance, making him a fade in dynasty startup drafts.