Leonard Fournette returning to Bucs on one-year deal

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette returning to Buccaneers on one-year deal worth up to $4 million

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/26/21

Leonard Fournette explored the open market this offseason, but the opportunity to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 was one he ultimately couldn't turn down.

Fournette told Josina Anderson that he is returning to the Bucs next season. According to Adam Schefter, the deal is for one-year and worth up to $4 million.

RB Leonard Fournette just told me "I am re-signing with the #Bucs," over facetime.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 26, 2021

Bucs are giving RB Leonard Fournette a one-year deal deal worth up to $4 million, per source. https://t.co/4WNeQ1BLDZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2021

Fournette played a significant role in Tampa Bay's Super Bowl run last season. The 26-year-old took over as the Bucs' top running back in Week 14, and Tampa Bay went 7-0 with him in the starting lineup. In four playoff games, he totaled 448 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage, including 135 total yards and a score in Tampa Bay's 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.

The Fournette signing essentially just leaves Antonio Brown on the board for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has already re-signed Rob Gronkowski, Chris Godwin, Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Ndamukong Suh, Donovan Smith, Kevin Minter and Ryan Succop.

The Buccaneers have reportedly not ruled out bringing Brown back in 2021. He served as a solid No. 3 receiver behind Godwin and Mike Evans, but the 32-year-old is still exploring his options.

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