Following a playoff run that saw him score four total touchdowns, Leonard Fournette could be eying a pay increase in 2021. However, when all is said and done, the running back would like to stick with the Buccaneers.
[RELATED: Buccaneers Interested In Re-Signing Leonard Fournette]
“We’ll see,” Fournette said during an appearance on ESPN (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com). “Right now, I’m just enjoying the process right now with this W with this organization and my team. You never know what the future holds for me right now, you know? I wound up ending on a great note. I’d love to be back. We’ll have to talk to my agent and see what they’re talking about.”
The former fourth-overall pick was unceremoniously let go by the Jaguars at the end of the 2020 preseason. He ultimately had to settle for a one-year, $2MM deal with Tampa Bay, and he served as Ronald Jones‘ backup during the early parts of the season. Fournette filled in as starter in Week 15, and he didn’t let go of that role through the rest of the season and playoffs. He brought his best during the postseason, collecting four scores and 448 yards from scrimmage in four games.
Aaron Jones, Chris Carson, and Kenyan Drake sit atop the free agent market, but Fournette could easily slide into that second tier of free agent running backs. It’s conceivable that the Buccaneers could look to pay up for Fournette’s services; Ronald Jones only has a year remaining on his contract, leaving 2020 third-rounder Ke’Shawn Vaughn as the only long-term answer at the position. On the flip side, the Buccaneers may find it’s more responsible to pursue ring-chasing veterans instead up paying up to retain Fournette.
If Fournette wants too much money Leveon Bell would be an interesting candidate to bring in as back up to Jones.
Godwin is probably out the door. Gronk will probably resign.
If fournette wants too much money a hungry college kid would give you more heart with fewer headaches than Bell
gunsafetydwight Yeah Bell is most likely done. Steelers already got all his best years out of him. He can probably be an ok RB option for someone, but why not go for someone younger with less wear and tear on their body.
Keep Fournette. Trade RoJo.
James White to Tampa
Rojo is the better back in my opinion. Rojo yards per carry was over 5 , much better than Fournette 3.8. Yes LF is better receiver but Rojo didn’t get a fair shot. Ariens clearly played games with both all year. I would keep Rojo, the kid can be special
Fournette could very easily surpass Drake as the third back to sign, after Carson and Jones. For teams looking for power backs, Fournette is likely the second best option after Carson. I don’t know if he’d sign as THE feature back somewhere, but he has a chance to, considering that Carson is really the most similar to that archetype that will be available in this group of free agents.in all likelihood, Fournette will be looked at as a 1a or heavily rotated back price-wise.
SBMVP