NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that running back Giovani Bernard has agreed to terms with Tampa Bay and will be returning to the team for the 2022 season. Bernard is entering his 10th season in the league and his second with the Bucs. The deal is reportedly for 1 year, $1.12 million, per The Athletic’s Greg Auman.

Prior to last season, Bernard spent eight years with the Bengals. In Cincinnati, he compiled 921 carries for 3,697 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry. Bernard also developed a reputation as one of the league’s best third down backs. His reliability as a pass protector combined with consistent receiving skills allowed him to catch 342 passes for 2,867 yards and 11 touchdowns.

After signing with Tampa Bay last year, Bernard was supposed to handle third down responsibilities. But the emergence of running back Leonard Fournette as a quality third down option complicated matters. Early in the season, Tampa Bay chose to stick with Fournette as an every-down back.

Bucs RB Giovani Bernard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bernard also struggled to stay healthy. The veteran back sprained his MCL twice, and suffered a strained hip tendon in Week 14. The injuries limited Bernard to just 12 games, reducing his production. Bernard ended the season with just eight carries for 58 yards, along with 23 catches on 29 targets for 123 yards and three touchdowns.

With Bernard back, the Bucs backfield is almost set. Fellow running backs Fournette and third-year rusher Ke’Shawn Vaughn are also under contract. But last week, Ronald Jones left to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. Don’t rule out the Bucs selecting a running back in the 2022 NFL Draft.