The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to release running back Leonard Fournette on March 15th, 2023, when the new league year commences. This comes just one year after the Buccaneers re-signed Fournette to a three-year, $21 million contract, with $2 million of it being guaranteed money.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly over the salary cap by more than $58 million, according to the Roster Management System. NFL Network first reported that the team is planning to release running back Leonard Fournette. Last season, Fournette finished with 1,191 total yards (668 rushing and 523 receiving), along with six touchdowns over 16 games. In his three seasons with the Buccaneers, Fournette accumulated 3,057 total yards and 22 touchdowns.
Nicknamed “Playoff Lenny” and later “Lombardi Lenny,” Leonard Fournette, 28, was a driving force for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their epic march to the Super Bowl LV Championship. During the postseason run, Fournette generated 448 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, including a career-best 135 yards in the title-clinching win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Having been drafted 4th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017, Fournette endured a difficult 2018 season however he was able to rebound in 2019 with a career-best season statistically, rushing for 1,152 yards and catching 76 passes for 522 yards with three total touchdowns. The Jaguars declined his fifth-year option and released him after the 2019 season.
With multiple teams around the league in search of a starting running back, it won’t be long until we see him signed with a new squad.