Free agency opens in two weeks, and the Bucs will have their hands full. Obviously Tampa Bay has a number of free agents to re-sign, most notably wide receiver Chris Godwin and cornerback Carlton Davis. But one of the names that hasn’t garnered much attention is Leonard Fournette. “Lombardi Lenny” will be a free agent for the second offseason in a row. The odds he returns to the Bucs appear slim, but that might be a good thing for both sides.

Per Pro Football Focus, Fournette’s next projected contract is two years, $16 million. That would tie him for the ninth-highest paid running back in the NFL on a per year basis. Fournette improved in Tampa Bay, especially as a receiver and pass protector. But he isn’t a difference-making back. And even difference-making backs have struggled to justify their top 10 paydays.

As a pure runner, Fournette was just average as a Buccaneer. When the blocking is there, he’s fine. But Fournette isn’t a great tackle breaker, nor is he especially elusive as a runner. There were also a concerning number of times where he failed to hit the proper hole with timing and decisiveness. There’s a reason why the Bucs were slow to phase Ronald Jones out over the past two years. Fournette just isn’t a dynamic rusher.

Now, as a pass protector, Fournette’s improvement this past season was remarkable. He’d been a below average pass protecting back most of his career, but in 2021 the LSU product lit it up. Fournette was also much more consistent as a receiver, even if he isn’t a game-breaking option. Losing that second and third down presence will be tough, but the Bucs have options to replace the first rounder’s impact.

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

First, Tampa Bay should prioritize bringing Giovani Bernard back. He knows the offense now, and he’s spent his career as a terrific third down back. He’s also a great locker room presence, which will be crucial with young Ke’Shawn Vaughn the only running back under contract. Bernard signed a $1.2 million contract last offseason. He shouldn’t be much more expensive after a quiet year.

Even if the Bucs do re-sign Bernard, they need another option to shoulder carries alongside the 30-year old and Vaughn. Obviously the draft is one path. This isn’t a great running back class, but the middle rounds will hold several capable options like every year.

But even in free agency, quality, affordable options abound for the Bucs. James Conner, who is best friends with Jordan Whitehead, is a free agent. Conner has dealt with injuries in the past, but is coming off a 752-yard, 15-touchdown season. He also snagged 37 catches for 375 yards, averaging over 10 yards per catch!

Conner is a quality rusher and a very good receiver and protector. He’ll likely cost less than Fournette too, due to his history of getting banged up. But he won’t need to carry the load in Tampa Bay. That’s a huge plus. Conner’s teammate in Arizona, Chase Edmonds, could also be a terrific third down option if the Bucs don’t retain Bernard.

Rams RB Sony Michel – Photo by: USA Today

One of my favorite cheap options for the Bucs is running back Sony Michel. The former Patriot and Ram is fresh off winning a ring, and seems unlikely to return to Los Angeles. Michel is one of the top pass protecting backs in the NFL, and a solid rusher. He’s also operated efficiently behind basically every running scheme there is, thanks to his vision and technique. But he’s never developed into a quality receiving option. Pairing him with Bernard or a rookie receiving back will be key.

The Bucs could also acquire several other capable backs for cheap. Melvin Gordon won’t help the passing game, but he’s a very good, inexpensive runner. Rashaad Penny finally broke out as a runner near the end of his fourth season. Can he be counted on to stay healthy and continue growing? Rolling the dice is unlikely to cost Tampa Bay very much. PFF has Penny’s next contract at one-year, $2 million. Veteran J.D. McKissic could be a cheap Bernard replacement, if it comes to that.

As long as Bruce Arians is head coach, the Bucs’ passing attack will carry the offense. For Tampa Bay’s system, a bevy of backs could fill Fournette’s shoes as a pure rusher. The most likely outcome is a reliance on a cheap committee approach to handle the load. Pewter Report will have more analysis on draft options as the offseason progresses. But with free agency two weeks away, the Bucs will have a number of choices if Fournette departs for another franchise.