Buccaneers: Giovani Bernard is a perfect fit for Tom Brady

Giovani Bernard could be a perfect fit with the Buccaneers for Tom Brady.

The Buccaneers still need a pass-catching running back to pair with Tom Brady in his second season in Tampa, and while the draft is a great place to find a proven option, targeting Giovani Bernard in free agency could be a safer decision.

Bernard was released from the Bengals today after eight productive seasons in Cincinnati. During that time and with varying workloads as a lead back and third-down back at various points, Bernard never finished a season with less than 30 receptions.

Throughout the course of his career, Bernard ended his Bengal career with 342 receptions, 2,867 receiving yards, 3,697 rushing yards, and 33 touchdowns.

Giovani Bernard and the Buccaneers make sense on paper

With some gas left in the tank and an impressive track record, Bernard should be a highly-coveted free agent leading up to the draft. If the Buccaneers start to worry that they won’t be able to find someone in the draft to fill the James White role that Brady needs, Bernard should be at the top of their list.

At 29 years old, Bernard wouldn’t play a massive role in the Buccaneer offense, but he isn’t needed to do that either. Ronald Jones, Leonard Fournette, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn can already carry the load on the ground. Bernard is only needed through the air and on passing downs.

Bernard is a proven blocker, can catch as well as most running backs in the league, and can even threaten the rush when called upon to do so. Sounds an awful lot like a Bruce Arians running back.

In addition to his fit as a player, this deal would also make perfect sense for both sides. The Buccaneers still have some money to spend on a depth back, and Bernard should be willing to take a smaller contract to play with a better team at the end of his career.

Signing Bernard in free agency wouldn’t close the door on a draft option either. It wouldn’t be unheard of for the Buccaneers to take five backs on their roster, especially if one can also line up at receiver.

Giovani Bernard may not be the most exciting name for Tampa Bay to pursue, but the utility that he would provide the Bucs during a Super Bowl push is worth considering.

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