The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense will look a lot different in 2023 compared to previous seasons. There will be no quarterback Tom Brady, who decided to retire earlier this year, and no starting running back Leonard Fournette, who is expected to be released in the near future.
According to multiple reports, Tampa plans to release Fournette as part of its efforts to clear the salary cap. The 28-year-old player was set to enter the second year of the three-year, $21 million contract he signed last year but only had $2 million guarantees left.
While releasing Fournette gets them a $3.5 million salary cap relief, the Bucs still have a long way to go before being in the clear. They are currently projected to be more than $50 million over the cap, meaning more cuts and/or contract restructures are coming.
Fournette struggled in 2022, finishing with 462 rushing yards on 3.4 yards per carry and three touchdowns. This greatly contributed to Bucs finishing the season at the bottom of the league in rushing.
Shortly after the reports started circulating, Fournette spoke with Tampa Bay Times and said that the release was actually his idea. He told the media outlet that he asked the Bucs to cut him, and the front office obliged.
“Winning is everything,” Fournette said. “That’s all. And in my last three years here, that’s all we’ve done. But since my guy [Brady] left, that’s why I came, so my time here was up.”
Leonard Fournette became a fan favorite in Tampa for his stellar performances during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2020. He rushed for 300 yards and three touchdowns in four games while also adding 18 catches for 148 yards and a TD.
