The Bucs want to re-sign running back Leonard Fournette, but have competition from another team in the NFC. MMQB’s Albert Breer is reporting that Fournette is being sought after by Seattle.
Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette is weighing an offer to remain in Tampa (Brady is recruiting him back), but the Seahawks have made a strong bid to poach him. Stylistically, Seattle would be an interesting fit.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2021
But Seattle isn’t the only team that is interested in stealing Fournette away from Tampa Bay. New England is also in the mix, according to Breer.
The Patriots are also lurking as another option for Leonard Fournette. Which is interesting … given who they’d be taking him from. https://t.co/RB3oJutZi3
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 16, 2021
Breer reports that Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is putting on the full court press to have “Playoff Lenny” return to Tampa Bay to defend the team’s Super Bowl championship. The Bucs are scheduled to talk with Fournette’s representatives today.
Fournette split time with Ronald Jones II during the regular season, rushing for 367 yards and six touchdowns, while averaging 3.8 yards per carry, but came on during the playoffs where he started four straight games in the postseason, including the Super Bowl. He signed a one-year $2.5 million deal in Tampa Bay last September after he was cut by Jacksonville, and set a franchise record with a touchdown in each postseason game, including the Super Bowl LV win over Kansas City. The LSU product rushed for 300 yards and three TDs while averaging 4.7 yards per carry in four postseason games.
Fournette brings value as three-down player, as he took over as the Bucs’ third-down back during the season, catching 36 passes for 233 yards (6.5 avg.). He added 18 receptions for 142 yards (8.2 avg.) and one touchdown in the postseason.