Why Leonard Fournette was always the right choice for the Buccaneers
Even if Leonard Fournette's future with the Buccaneers was uncertain, it always felt like he was going to stay in Tampa Bay. The sixth-year back has played some of the best football of his career with the Buccaneers and he still has Tom Brady as his quarterback. Why would he want to leave? But even […]
Even if Leonard Fournette's future with the Buccaneers was uncertain, it always felt like he was going to stay in Tampa Bay. The sixth-year back has played some of the best football of his career with the Buccaneers and he still has Tom Brady as his quarterback.
Why would he want to leave?
But even though there was confidence that he would stay, the uncertainty continued to grow as the first days of free agency passed by. Especially over the last few days. The ambiguity eventually came to a peak Monday when Fournette traveled to New England in order to see what the Patriots had to offer.
Fournette apparently didn't like what the Patriots said, because he signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Buccaneers upon his return. Fournette can make as much as $24 million over the next three years with the Buccaneers.
It's a smart move on both sides. The Buccaneers only had one running back on the roster in the largely unproven Ke'Shawn Vaughn and there aren't many options in free agency. The draft holds promise, but rookie running backs often struggle in pass protection and the Buccaneers can't afford that to happen with Brady at the helm.
Fournette developed into a three-down back in 2021, which is a rare trait for running backs to have in today's NFL. That in itself has plenty of value and it's value the Buccaneers obviously recognize and appreciate.
Fournette's easily the best fit for this offense and his familiarity with the Brady, the offensive line, and just the playbook in general will help keep the Buccaneers on track, offensively.
It was only a matter of time before Fournette was back to being "the guy" in the Buccaneers' backfield.
And now the Buccaneers offense is in a spot to pick up right where it left off in 2021.
Featured image via Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
