Leonard Fournette: Buccaneers should return to playoff Lenny
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers and Leonard Fournette look ready to run it back.
The Buccaneers looked in other areas for a new running back, but all of the other options have dried up. Now, the best option to add for running back depth is Leonard Fournette. Good thing the interest is mutual.
Fournette experienced the best stretch of his career while with the Buccaneers, and the reasons to keep him on the roster for another Super Bowl run are obvious. The run game looked great in the playoffs with Fournette as the starter, so bringing the same group back makes the most sense.
Before Fournette, James White looked like a much better free agent option to pursue. White is excellent in the passing game and has a history with Brady. Unfortunately, the Bucs were unable to make a deal happen, and White re-signed with the Patriots.
Leonard Fournette could be back with the Buccaneers
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With White off the table, the Bucs almost have to stick with Fournette. Fournette’s options have also dried up, so it looks like this deal will happen regardless of either party’s feelings on the matter.
Even if the Buccaneers wanted to go a different direction, Fournette still makes the most sense as a veteran option that already knows the offense.
With Fournette back on the table as a viable option, Tampa Bay will need to start planning for the future in a new way as well. As it stands, Fournette would be the most complete running back on the roster, but there is still a stark need for a pass-catcher. James White would’ve filled this role well.
Now, there will be questions about far more areas with Fournette’s return. Will the Bucs rely on Ronald Jones or Fournette as the RB1? Do the Bucs need to draft a pass-catcher early? What role will Ke’Shawn Vaughn play?
In all honesty, Fournette’s return would muddy the water more than anything, but the other options for the Bucs are limited at the moment, and bringing back a playoff MVP-caliber player is far from a bad decision.
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