Did The Buccaneers Release Leonard Fournette? What's Next For Leonard Fournette? Fantasy Football Update

Veteran running back Leonard Fournette has had a solid NFL career. The former LSU star running back had an outstanding rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, totaling 1040 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 36 receptions for 302 receiving yards and a touchdown in 2017.

Unfortunately, the veteran running back struggled with injuries in 2018. Fournette missed half the year and saw his numbers decline. After averaging 3.9 yards per rushing attempt as a rookie, he averaged only 3.3 yards per rushing attempt the following year. While the former first-round pick rebounded in 2019 with a career-high 1,152 rushing yards, Fournette’s time in Jacksonville ended.

The veteran running back got cut right before the 2020 season. Fournette quickly signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After signing a pair of one-year deals with the Buccaneers, the former LSU star signed a three-year contract last offseason with the team.

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Did The Buccaneers Release Leonard Fournette?

However, his time with the team has ended. Earlier today, the Buccaneers decided to release Fournette. The team will create $3.5 million in salary cap space while taking only $5 million in dead money. Tampa Bay could save $5 million in salary cap space if they designate Fournette as a post-June 1 cut.

Over his three years in Tampa Bay, the veteran running back had over 3,000 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns in 43 games. With Fournette’s release and Giovani Bernard being a free agent in a few weeks, Rachaad White and Ke’Shawn Vaughn are the only two running backs on the roster under contract for next season.

After a solid rookie season, White will get the first chance to replace Fournette as the lead running back. The former Arizona State averaged 4.3 yards per touch as a rookie. More importantly, White scored 15.4 half-point PPR fantasy points in the one game without Fournette last year, a career-high.

What's Next For Leonard Fournette?

While the Buccaneers are making changes after Tom Brady’s retirement, the team didn’t plan on releasing Fournette. Instead, the veteran running back asked to be released, and the team granted his request.

Unfortunately for Fournette, there are plenty of quality free agent running backs this year. However, he will find a new home sooner than later.

One potential landing spot is the Chicago Bears. David Montgomery is a free agent this offseason and likely won’t be back with the team. While Khalil Herbert is a capable starting running back, the Bears will add a veteran to help in the backfield.

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