2 min read • March 14, 2022
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Leonard Fournette saw a career resurgence playing with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, but is now set to hit free agency.
With Brady’s return, it’s become more likely Fournette and the 44-year-old reunite on a short-term deal.
The former No. 4 overall pick is coming off a productive year in Tampa, especially in the passing game. Fournette finished third in the league with 69 receptions in 14 games, five behind Najee Harris and one behind Austin Ekeler.
Fournette also ranked fourth in the league with 454 receiving yards, over 200 yards more than in 2020.
The 27-year-old did miss a key stretch late last season with a hamstring injury he suffered Week 15.
Fournette missed three weeks with the injury and was absent for the Wild Card win over the Eagles. In his return against the Rams in the Divisional Round, he finished with 51 rushing yards with 2 rushing touchdowns and 9 catches for 56 yards.
While he has avoided major injury in his career, he has missed at least three games in four of the last five seasons.
A hamstring injury in 2018 caused him to miss four games and the Jaguars were reportedly upset with Fournette’s weight gain during the season and how long his hamstring recovery took.
In Tampa Bay, he has also clashed with head coach Bruce Arians, who reportedly said he almost cut Fournette for “attitude” before Week 14.
Fournette doesn’t carry any injury concerns or baggage into next season, but his relationship with Arians will be something to watch if he does return to the Buccaneers.
He returned to the Buccaneers last offseason on a one-year, $3.25 million contract. It remains to be seen what his value will be this season among fellow free agent running backs David Johnson, James Conner, James White, Raheem Mostert, Rashaad Penny in seeking new contracts.
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