Report: Playoff Lenny, Bucs Making Little Progress
March 24th, 2021
Not yet close to re-signing.
It can’t be all good news today.
In the wake of the news that left tackle Donovan Smith will have his contract extended to free up spending money and the reports that defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is ready to sign a one-year contract for 2021, it seems a guy who endeared himself to Bucs fans isn’t as ready to re-sign.
Per Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, there hasn’t been a whole lot of progress between the Bucs and Playoff Lenny’s representatives in getting him back in the fold.
While the #GoBucs have kept two more critical pieces of the band together (Smith, Suh), I’m hearing they’ve made no real headway yet with Playoff Lenny.
— Joey Knight (@TBTimes_Bulls) March 24, 2021
Joe is going to guess the Bucs have no intentions of breaking the bank on Playoff Lenny, no matter how much they appreciated his professionalism and his touchdowns in the postseason. Playoff Lenny had a rushing touchdown in each of the Bucs’ four postseason games.
There is also the chance that somehow Travis Etienne slips to No. 32 where the Bucs could grab him. Without even stepping foot on an NFL field, Etienne may be as good of a receiving back as Ronald Jones is after three years.
The question Joe has, will park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, handshake-stiffing, jet-ski-losing, biscuit-baking, tequila-shooting, waffle-grilling, trophy-throwing, Bucs-Super-Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady work his sales magic on Playoff Lenny to get him to return for the “Go for Two” campaign?
March 24th, 2021 at 11:13 am
Surprised that he has not signed with another team yet, seems like there are 12 teams including the bucs that could use a top 10 NFL RB on their team. If bucs somehow got Harris at 32 that would eliminate the bucs from the playoff lenny stakes
March 24th, 2021 at 11:13 am
I think 99 percent of running backs in the nfl are better receivers then rojo
Sorry joe
Rojo has stone hands
Najee harris , etienne and jovuntae williams can do it all
All have good hands. And good runners too
And at pick 32 …fairly cheap and 5 year option
Rojo is up next year too.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:14 am
Ian Rapaport on Pat Mcafee said otherwise and Ian is a lot more reputable and reliable then Joey Knight no offense.
[Joe used to work with Joey Knight. Joe is confident when he Twittered that he just got off the phone with either Playoff Lenny’s agent and/or a suit with the Bucs. Joey isn’t one to just twitter out nonsense. — Joe]
March 24th, 2021 at 11:15 am
I encourage all to watch super bowl video that is out now
If you are Amazon prime you can get for a few bucs
March 24th, 2021 at 11:15 am
The only drama during the season that we know of was from him. Thx for your contributions but goodbye.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:20 am
@youngbucs: that may be the reason the Bucs has not aggressively recruited him.
He put himself over team.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:22 am
This gives me zero agitate. Bucs have done an A+ job already. AB would be a bonus if he’s next
March 24th, 2021 at 11:23 am
Just wondering- if Fournette had begun his NFL career with Bucs, would Joe have made his moniker, “ fist fighting, ankle injury aggravating, untradeable, playoff Lenny” ?
March 24th, 2021 at 11:23 am
[Joe isn’t keeping a box score. Joe just knows Joey Knight a helluva lot better than anyone commenting on this site. And Joey — from Joe’s experience working with him — isn’t anything close to how you are categorizing him. Interesting you didn’t mention what Rapoport said immediately after he stated “my guess” is that Playoff Lenny will stay with Bucs. 🤔 — Joe.]
March 24th, 2021 at 11:24 am
Get James White and draft best back available at pick #32.
If Fornette is the only FA we lose I would be totally fine with that.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:26 am
Not worried. He played good in the Playoffs, but still is not a decent receiver out of the backfield. we can find one of those guys in the draft. RoJo was easily the better runner with the ball, but was not 100% and still can’t catch a dang ball. Kenneth Gainwell RB from Memphis. Excellent receiver.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:27 am
Lol. James White is no longer an option.
Bummer. Still other talented FA backs out there with good hands.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:28 am
Marine Buc James WHite is back to the Pats
March 24th, 2021 at 11:28 am
“It can’t be all good news today” Blessing in disguise maybe. Lenny was average at best during the regular season. He was pretty awesome in the post season – so I’d call it a wash and just average. Grab a younger, faster, hungrier version of Lenny in the draft.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:28 am
The not signing elsewhere yet piece is interesting. His agent probably needs to significantly lower the asking price.
I want him back, and understand if he wants to be The Man elsewhere also.
But if no one else wants to pay him, he’ll stay.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:36 am
He’ll sign elsewhere. As to the drops…. I credit that to the way TB throws to RB’s. He does not lead them for the most part. He throws to their backside which must take some time to adjust to…not to mention it leaves the RB open to getting blasted……. but it does lessen the opportunity for interceptions.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:40 am
It was rumored that Seahawks and Patriots were interested and both tems have re-signed RBs. I think he will be back he is just trying to get some more money. After all he was a high 1st rounder and it might be his final chance to score. I hope he is back on a 3 year deal. I like that he has no issues with fumbles and played big when it mattered the most. Yeah bring him back please!
March 24th, 2021 at 11:42 am
No way Etienne is there at 32… Weak draft especially on the Dline will push up skill players.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Amazing how Everyone is so quick to write of Fornette.
Im not.
I hope Fornette resigns with Tampa. He is a unique talent, and a big part of the Bucs “smashmouth” style!
March 24th, 2021 at 11:45 am
Not surprising. Even some of the backups at a reasonable rate were more important than resigning Lenny. He’s been great, I wish he’d be back but it’s just not realistic with the salary cap. I am sure some other teams are offering him much more than they can afford.
To me, Ronald Jones and Vaughn will be the duo with Jones being the main back.
Both should show improvement in route running and catching the ball and blocking, given a full off-season. And don’t forget, Vaughn was a good receiver in college
March 24th, 2021 at 11:47 am
Let Playoff Lenny cash in.
Javonte Williams. First round. RJIII is in contract year.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:48 am
I’ve been hearing for quite a few years about how there’s “no way” that prospect X is there when the Bucs draft. I heard there was “no way” Tristan Wirfs makes it to the Bucs pick. I guess they were right in a way, the Bucs did trade up 1 spot to get him. Anyway, my point is that it’s possible that Etienne is there when the Bucs pick at 32.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:48 am
@Joe … “Ettiene may be as good of a receiving back as Ronald Jones is after three years.”
Please tell me Joe that you had a ghost-writer pen that. Comparing him to Stonehands is not exactly a compliment to Etienne. And since RoJo’s contract is up after this year, I’d rather have Najee Harris over Etienne anyways (just in case RoJo doesn’t re-sign?). Big backs like Harris (6’2″ & 230 lbs) who have good speed (projected 4.53) & quickness are always at a premium. He also pass protects well & averaged a little better than 10 yds/reception in 2019 & 2020.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:51 am
Now New England is keeping White. Sounds like Lenny and his agent is pricing himself out of the market.
Teams are just not going to overpay at that position.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:51 am
is this the video title on Amazon :
NFL Super Bowl LV Champions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I have purchased a book recommended by a friend in the past, got one word wrong and ended up with the wrong book, lol.
Thanks.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:57 am
So apparently the Bucs are taking a long look at Demetric Felton of UCLA in the 3rd or 4th Round to be the new Dion Lewis/James White.
March 24th, 2021 at 11:59 am
Get damien. Williams and draft rib in second round
March 24th, 2021 at 12:01 pm
It shows:
1. The Bucs like who’ve they got in Rojo and Vaugn.
2. The Bucs believe they can draft of RB.
3. More RB FAs out there.
March 24th, 2021 at 12:05 pm
You need depth at RB. Very injury prone position.
March 24th, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Still having a hard time with Lenny’s attitude in the regular season. Almost getting released. He turned it up in the playoffs but will he fall back into the disgruntled mode when sharing time with Rojo? Plenty of time to wait for roster cuts and as mentioned above some serviceable rb’s in the draft.
Maybe Vaughn cured the fumbles and will turn it up in his second year.
March 24th, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Rojo is the starter. So no need to rush depth signing. Lenny was great , but he was in a mission to revive his career.
Vaughn will be plug and play a lot in preseason. , camp. And then , Is when we know if he got it. If not there a lot of FA like Peterson , gurley, Howard , burkhead etc that can fill 10 snap a game. While drafting a RB in the 3rd.
Meanwhile. What’s up with geno Atkins coming over ?
March 24th, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Geno Atkins? Is this a rumor?
March 24th, 2021 at 12:24 pm
RB’s are a dime a dozen. So many are one year wonders. If he was a full season player and had better hands, I’m in but he is neither so I’m out. Plenty of options out there. Is Burkhead signed?
March 24th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Might this be the year we draft a running back in the first 2 rounds??? When will the next time be that we will have this luxury? How long will Arians stay? Brady is here now! They will want to win now! Top RB opportunity is now hence it’s ok to lose Fournette!
March 24th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
@Joe in MI: Atkins is not a fraction the player he was a couple of years ago. He may be worth taking a flyer on a one-year dealio with low $$$. He was hurt all last season and many question how much he’s recovered, and what his Juice Meter shows.
March 24th, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Should be able to find a viable RB in FA or draft. In the draft we need to grab an edge rusher and a DT and online with the first 3 picks. imo
March 24th, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Lenny made $30 M in his first four years, and I’m sure he expected a raise as a free agent. He needs time to absorb the reality of the RB market.
Oh to be a fly on the wall of him talking with AB.
March 24th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Honestly, not a great loss. Take away the playoffs and he was not a factor during the season. Big man but so soft at point of contact. RBs are a dime a dozen.
March 24th, 2021 at 1:04 pm
That james white deal was 1 year 2.5. Thats cheap
Called it
Need to find a guy that can catch in draft then
March 24th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
I believe they will get something done for his return. They could still give Jensen an extension to free up a little more money for Lenny or maybe Brate and Gholston take pay cuts also. I believe AB will be back in Tampa but there is some room for Lenny to return though
March 24th, 2021 at 1:45 pm
Can NPup show his scared little face again. I miss seeing him on here as the sites favorite punching bag. Coward
March 24th, 2021 at 1:46 pm
Never over pay for a running back.
March 24th, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Thanks, Cobraboy. I wouldn’t mind Geno Atkins on a cheap contract, to see if he still has anything left/could make the team. I’d rather have a veteran edge rusher and a younger guy at DT/DE that Suh can show the ropes.
March 24th, 2021 at 2:29 pm
Wow, 2.5 mil what are Bucs doing? Should have cut bait with Lenny, that just put the price tag on him, he’s not that good. What is William’s going for or did he already sign?
March 24th, 2021 at 2:41 pm
I would like to put pressure on Ryan Jensen to resign a more favorable deal.
$10 million for this year is too high for him.
3 years 22.5 million.
If no, sign Austin Reiter for that same money.
Same age. Same type of ability. Tough market for a center this year as a free agent. No team is going to pay that position this year with a limited salary cap. They are paying premium positions only.
March 24th, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Meh.
It will work out or it won’t. Either way I’m not sweating it. Regardless if it does or not they need to draft a RB anyway. There’s three that could carry a first round grade and I would be happy with anyone of them.
March 24th, 2021 at 2:47 pm
geno you are correct, David Andrew’s just signed 4 years 22 mil. If the prices are going down and Lenny signs in the 3 mil range, he will be disgruntled. Cut him lose.
March 24th, 2021 at 2:53 pm
I love that the biggest worry left this offseason is a guy that i don’t really care if he comes back or not, in fournette, and a guy that would be a great luxury, but at a position we’re already super deep in and have shown a great proficiency at drafting, in AB
March 24th, 2021 at 3:00 pm
The Bucs have done a great job setting expectations, communicating what they are willing/able to do, and leaving it up to the player to weigh their options. Fournette knows exactly what the Bucs are willing to pay and he’s just waiting to see if a better offer comes along. If not, then he will take the deal and come back for another season.
March 24th, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Licht, offer him 2-years for $5m (total, not per season) all guaranteed – will likely be the best deal he gets. Would be good to have a 3-down backup who can take over next year when Rojo likely leaves. The RB market is really weak, like it normally is, there’s a few guys at the top that make money, and everyone else is replaceable. If Rojo could just catch as good as my 5-year old niece, he’d be one of those top RBs. In any case, I’d like to have Fournette back, but I’m not going to worry about it if he’s not — and it seems like that’s how Licht and Arians feel as well.
March 24th, 2021 at 3:10 pm
Maybe his mid-season pouting is coming back to haunt him.
March 24th, 2021 at 3:21 pm
I suspect Lenny wants a paycheque or to be the guy.
Or really both. That won’t happen here and we saw how he almost got cut when things weren’t going the way he wanted.
My worry is if he resigns, he could end up being a locker room cancer if he ends up not being the lead guy.
Other free agents out there.
Duke Johnson
Rex Burkhead
Lev Bell
McKinnon
Gallman
Chris Thompson
Dion lewis
All of whom can be our 3rd down change of pace back
Yeldon
March 24th, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Duke Johnson is the rb I would target! He has great hands and essentially played slot receiver early in his career with the Browns! He immediately solves your 3rd issues with pass catching out of the backfield. DJ will come cheap- probably less than $2M a year. Then you can still draft a rb anywhere from rounds 1 to 3 to be a RoJo replacement or at least push Vaughn to get better. In first 3 rounds, in no particular order, I would like to get a pass rushing lb/DE, rb and a DT! In rounds 4 and 5 I think you can find a future starting C or a guard at least as good as Cappa!
March 24th, 2021 at 4:38 pm
If all we need is a place pass catching back I’m sure there is one in the draft. Love rojo running the ball and had a pretty nice passing touchdown against the chiefs in the regular season. Hope this dude sees the money he would make in the off-season and works on his catching and pass pro
March 24th, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Arians will never support paying a running back alot of money. Never.
3.8 yards per carry.
Ronald Jones had 5.1
What games were some of you watching that makes you want this guy back? He wasn’t happy in Jacksonville, and he ran like he didn’t give a damn at all during our regular season. He’s nowhere close to the running back he was in college. Nowhere close. He melts on contact most of the time.
March 24th, 2021 at 6:20 pm
Fournette is simply a big name, but a very mediocre runner. I don’t think Bucs ever made a real offer to him. He was clutch and critical for our playoff success, but he is bad at catching passes and pass protection. Just because he is slightly better than stone hands RoJo does not justify him a roster spot with us. He is a very underwhelming runner that lacks explosion. Bucs need an every down back with high IQ in pass protection and there are three backs that could be had in the draft that are also natural pass catchers. Having Fournette, RoJo and Vaughn before draft would essentially signal that Bucs won’t draft a RB within 3 rounds.
March 24th, 2021 at 6:32 pm
Rojo last contract year. If the Bucs sign Lenny no more one year prove it sign him to a 2 or 3 year deal so we won’t be scrambling for a running back next year. Rojo is a good runner but you need to be a complete running back in the NFL pass happy offenses these days.
March 24th, 2021 at 6:47 pm
If White went for 2.5 mil Bucs could get Burkhead for $1.7 or $1.5 a steal for what he.can produce. I am begging Licht sign Brown, do NOT let him go to Seattle, Wilson never had a receiver as good as him and the last thing Bucs need to do is help make a good NFC team stronger. That would be best WR tandom in the league Brown & Metcalf.
March 24th, 2021 at 8:56 pm
Brown and Metcalf would be the best Tandem? As of right now Metcalf and Lockett are a better tandem
March 24th, 2021 at 9:42 pm
It makes sense teams saw the difference between play off Lenny and regular season Lenny where often times he avoided contact in spite of obvious running lanes by running into the back of guards. Soft receiving hands, we didn’t see them. The Bucs are right with sticking with a one year deal at a prove it level. Maybe he will be more consistent now but it needs to be shown.
March 25th, 2021 at 12:00 am
How can we possibly be satisfied.with a RB who can’t catch the ball – and Rojo simply can’t do that. Are we trying to handicap the best short-passing game in football? If RBs are a dime a dozen then it shouldn’t t be difficult to find one who can go both run and catch..
March 25th, 2021 at 9:42 pm
If he’s only about the $$$ instead of the “Team” then I say good riddance !