The NFL world has been on a rollercoaster of emotions this offseason when it comes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who retired back in February only to unretire just a month later.
This news obviously drastically changes the Buccaneers’ offseason plans. It was likely that the team would have gone through a rebuild, with either young backup quarterback Kyle Trask as their starter or drafting someone in the 2022 NFL Draft. That will no longer be in the cards for the Buccaneers, and reports emerged on Tuesday that seems to indicate they are going all-in for next season.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has reported on Tuesday that the Buccaneers have agreed to terms with running back Leonard Fournette on a three-year extension worth $21 million.
Sources: The #Bucs are re-signing RB Leonard Fournette, as more of Tom Brady’s friends return to Tampa. He gets a 3-year deal worth $21M up to $24M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2022
Fournette is coming off his best season as a member of the Buccaneers, starting 13 games and putting up 1,266 total yards and ten touchdowns.
Many NFL fans remember Fournette for his impressive performance in the 2020 playoffs where he earned the nickname “Playoff Lenny.”
Given his impressive performance during his tenure with the Buccaneers, it is not shocking that the team would want him back. However, many in the NFL world are certainly questioning whether he is worth that kind of money considering only the very best running backs usually receive this type of payday.
Fournette would've been a nice addition in NE. But if Belichick had paid him that much we'd be issuing a Silver Alert for a 69yo Foxboro man who has lost his faculties https://t.co/f30l3BIQoh
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) March 22, 2022
Not a contract I would have dished out but happy to have Lenny back and Brady clearly wants him #GoBucs https://t.co/A6MHBiiCJE
— Cam Rogers (@Camrogers15) March 22, 2022
The Patriots getting used as leverage https://t.co/lnVZtMD9X0 pic.twitter.com/cVegwsPHLo
— Nate Geary (@NateGearySports) March 22, 2022
Leonard Fournette is off the board for the #Patriots and becomes the league's 11th-highest paid RB based on these numbers.
I would be stunned if the Pats even considered coming close to offering this deal. https://t.co/UAbEzfNR4q
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) March 22, 2022
On its surface, the contract does seem like a little bit of an overpay. However, Fournette has been very valuable to the Buccaneers and it seems like the team is rewarding him for his impressive contributions. He has been a very reliable option for Brady in the passing game as well, and it is very likely that the returning quarterback had some input in getting this deal done.
