Shockingly, there has barely been a whisper about the free agency of Bucs running back Leonard Fournette. Billed by many as the top available running back in 2022 free agency, this is the first report of Fournette talking with a team. Almost every other top available running back has signed with a team this offseason. Fournette could be next in line, even if it has been a much longer wait than we anticipated.

Like last offseason, Fournette hasn’t found the market he hoped for in free agency. On Friday, Fournette tweeted that he believed he was on the level of a top five back. He didn’t specifically say he should be paid like one, but the inference was clear that he’s holding off on signing anywhere, looking for the top pay day. That’s unlikely to come in Tampa Bay. The Bucs are lukewarm about bringing Fournette back, especially at the rate he wants.

The 27-year old has generated New England’s interest before, including prior to both signings with the Bucs. Fournette fits the big, bell-cow back that head coach Bill Belichick has always coveted, but price will be important. Right now, New England has four running backs that they like on the roster. Damien Harris is the team’s feature back, but Rhamondre Stevenson flashed a lot as a rookie. And the team re-signed James White to handle third downs. Also, the Patriots signed Ty Montgomery a few days ago, and J.J. Taylor impressed in year two. So it remains to be seen where Fournette would fit in.

I can’t imagine Fournette would get much money to be a rotational back in New England. It also would be a curious career move for him. Last year was the most complete season of Fournette’s career. He was average as a rusher, but improved significantly in receiving and pass protection. Going from that to an extremely sheltered role in New England would be a big change. We’ll see where free agency takes him over the next couple days.