Buccaneers could call on familiar face to help important area

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have generally looked good throwing the ball this year, but that has been the one part of their offense that has actually worked. The run has been downright-terrible for the entirety of this season, and the lack of any success in this regard has slowed the whole team down due to […]

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Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) calls a play at the line against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have generally looked good throwing the ball this year, but that has been the one part of their offense that has actually worked.

The run has been downright-terrible for the entirety of this season, and the lack of any success in this regard has slowed the whole team down due to Todd Bowles' and Dave Canales' strict desire to keep a balanced offense.

If the Bucs really do want the run game to work to the point of forcing it on everyone, perhaps a familiar face could help out.

Leonard Fournette's name may not be the most exciting, but it probably is the best name on the free agent market, and it is also fair to say Fournette was the last good back in Tampa (in addition to being the last bad one too).

Still, Fournette is familiar with the team, has done well in Tampa before, and is probably at his healthiest in years after not playing at the start of the season.

A refreshed Fournette in an offense that is better at throwing the football this year yet still lacks any clear success in the run game could be a match made in Heaven, especially if Fournette wants to prove that he has value on the market come the end of this season.

In Tampa, Fournette could play on a team with a clear shot at the playoffs, an offensive line that grows by the day, and one of the best defenses he has played with.

As for the Bucs, Rachaad White has been uninspired as a starting running back and Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Sean Tucker haven't even been worth talking about.

With trades off the table and no other great options on the market, the Bucs may have few other choices than going after Fournette as a free agent for the second time.