Tommy Gets A Running Back
April 12th, 2021
New Bucs RB Giovani Bernard.
Well, Joe tips his cap to Travis Etienne and says, “One can always dream.”
Why is that? Well, it is unlikely the Bucs draft a running back at No. 32 since the Bucs just signed one today.
Per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bucs today signed free agent running back Giovani Bernard. It’s interesting that the Bucs pulled out their heavy artillery to lure the 29-year-old former second-round pick to Tampa Bay.
James White had interest in joining Tom Brady and the #Bucs as their third-down back before re-signing with the #Patriots. Instead, itโs the newly available Gio Bernard. He had interest from TB and the #Chiefs, but ends up in Tampa Bay. https://t.co/OjMJY9lxTp
โ Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 12, 2021
The eight-year veteran isn’t much for running the ball in recent years, but he can catch. In his last two seasons in Cincinnati, a team with no offensive line to speak of, Bernard nearly averaged eight yards a catch.
Last year, Bernard had one of his best seasons catching the ball as he hauled in 47 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Going for Two.
JoeBucsFan/Big Storm Clearwater Draft Party!
Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m. til … https://t.co/bmKxplUgSr via @YouTube ๐ฅAs you've heard for weeks on the @Ikaufman76 podcast. Here's your video invitation to @BigStormBrewing Clearwater. โผ๏ธ Great fun ahead.
— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) April 12, 2021
April 12th, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Checkmate!!! Go Bucs.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Hey, we beat the Chiefs again!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:16 pm
yessum
April 12th, 2021 at 4:16 pm
Great pickup, takes over for Shadyโs role.
Now resign AB.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:17 pm
This is an excellent sign for the Bucs which provides great depth. The Bucs have had as good an off season as any fan can hope for. I have no reason to believe the Bucs will not be back to the Super Bowl unless they suffer an injury to one of their key players. The Bucs are currently the most complete team in the NFL. Jason Licht has been nothing short of masterful since 2020.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Going for 2 indeed
Go Bucs!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:18 pm
Good signing…has more left in the tank than McCoy did last season. The type of signing a team trying to repeat makes at no doubt a cap friendly deal.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:21 pm
This is far far greater than Shadyโs role – they basically got a better version of James White. He is going to be playing a lot. Fantastic pass blocker and receiver with speed. Important if not crucial in todayโs game, even tho some people on here are adamant that Ronald Jones is Walter Payton reincarnated
April 12th, 2021 at 4:27 pm
stevek
i agree…
sign AB!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:29 pm
Wow
Thats big. Dude played on some bad bengals teams
Wants to win
Wants to have a good year for bigger contract
Guy has great hands
Bye bye running back it looks.
Now they can focus on trenches and one corner
April 12th, 2021 at 4:29 pm
Love it, was hoping for this as soon as the Bengals released him.
Bye bye Shady, congrats on a great career just not with the Bucs.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Will be interesting to see how they incorporate him in to the game plan. Not sure about this signing. Not really feeling it. But what Tommy wants Tommy gets-and why not.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:31 pm
Go sign Edelman next he got cut today
April 12th, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Sounds good. Can he return kicks too?
April 12th, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Wise insurance this far out, maybe he does maybe he doesnโt.
Travis Entenni , not disputing his game!
I am concerned about all the mileage he has.
One year at a time and 2021 is a huge year and he would fit the need for a explosive player
April 12th, 2021 at 4:34 pm
Iโd be down to sign Edelman, if heโs healthy, but…he isnโt. If weโre gonna use more resources on a veteran receiver that isnโt AB then Iโd prefer it to be Larry Fitz
April 12th, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Julian Edelman just got released today, will he be joining his buddy the GOAT as well. Seems like if they both take vet league minimum weโd have a 2 for one bu not signing AB back. Basically just use that money and sign these guys. Either way it feels great to be a BUC right now!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Would not rule out the Bucs drafting a RB. When Sept rolls around not everybody makes the team like you thought they would back in April.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Leftwich is going to the drawing board right now
That was one weakness on offense
Rumors are arians and brady made run at Bernardi
Crazy times fellow buc fans
April 12th, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Great move!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:43 pm
Julian Eldelman was just released by the Pats. If he can still play there is another possibility.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:47 pm
edelman is washed up…
AB over JE all day every day and twice on sunday!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:48 pm
That guy can catch a football and is dangerous in space. His screen game is also very good.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
I could be wrong but isn’t this the first player on our roster that doesn’t have a ring?
Perhaps he will get his next year.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Could be the Bucs donโt think the RB they would consider at 32 will be there at 32. Doesnโt mean they wonโt take one. Again give them more flexibility at every pick.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Interesting. He is a 3rd down back. Catches and blocks.
That means Rojo and Lenny splitting time or does one carry the load?
Seems like Vaughn is going to be utilized very little again.
He can cut once and explode…. kick return?
April 12th, 2021 at 4:53 pm
Sorry Joe, QB at #32!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Thank god we can stop with the early RB BS. Heโs pretty shifty he might be looked upon in the return game as well.
Next!
April 12th, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Called it as soon Bernard got released.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:56 pm
813 must be a tyke. Takes all kinds i guess. Sign AB?? Tell ab that dodo. He has offers on the table. Take it or leave it. He’s not calling shots anymore. And those offers wont be on the table another two weeks.
April 12th, 2021 at 4:59 pm
and the rich get richer!! MWAHAHAHA!! That was my villain laugh.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:06 pm
As a Tar Heel and Bucs fan…..I dig this move!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Very solid signing.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:07 pm
He isnโt a good fit, he is a perfect fit! A+++ signing.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:14 pm
I really wanted Etienne, but Iโve always been a huge Gio fan, and this opens up a lot of options in the draft. Do work Mr. Licht!!
April 12th, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Great job. Now the Bucs arenโt forced to draft one. Draft flexibility is always important. If ones falls to them fine if not thatโs fine too.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Back to back GM of the year. Well done, Mr.GM.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Now letโs re-sign AB and focus the draft on Best Available DL, CB and QB. This offense is going to be insane if OJ can actually get his act together this season. Still need AB when the top two have injuries. Licht canโt let this insurance policy sign with another team.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:42 pm
Giovani Bernard played at Saint Thomas Aquinas Raiders in Fort Lauderdale under the great HC George Smith. For those of you who know FL football, coach Smith is considered one of the best ever and in FL HS FB HOF. Hey I bet even Joe didnt know this little nugget – James White (NE) also played at St Thomas at the same time with Bernard. Even Chucky has a Raider on his squad in Lamarcus Joyner.
Bernard is a tough kid; his only knock is injury bug gets him periodically. The good news is he has been sitting on the shelf behind Joe Mixon past 2 years. This kid is lightning when healthy.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:49 pm
Great move. Fills a gap in 3rd down situations. Also opens round 32 for a defensive stud. Other than a backup qb, the Bucs should go heavy on defense and offense line picks. A stud line backer too. Bucs are loaded on offense skill players.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:50 pm
Damn, a running back that can actually catch well?!? Licht continues to amaze me and he should be in the running for executive of the year again.
April 12th, 2021 at 5:55 pm
Very good sign and now itโs clear that the Bucs wonโt go RB in the draft. IMO, itโs a wise move, Licht got a proven veteran, hungry for winning. In the draft, it will be the best (defensive, I guess) player available
Greg Newsome II or an OLB would be great
April 12th, 2021 at 5:56 pm
Aquinas is a terrific football program in this state, often ending the season of my high school alma mater, the Naples High Golden Eagles, another great program.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:02 pm
If AB signs we will have fewer roster spots than we have draft picks. I smell a trade up into the first round.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:07 pm
1rd – oline. Brady must be protected. And if … injury happens thereโs a solid backup.
2 rd – DT
April 12th, 2021 at 6:19 pm
If the player you want is not available, trade out this year and upgrade your pick next year.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:19 pm
Great news.
One advantage over James White is the uncertainty he brings if it’s a run play–he ran more than Leonard last year–so you’re not tipping your hand bringing him in.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:21 pm
Thank goodness. Now hopefully Licht doesn’t feel a need to draft an RB. O-Line and D-line get some reinforcements.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:31 pm
damn it feels good to be a champion getting high smoking weed all day
April 12th, 2021 at 6:37 pm
Joe’s headline should have read “Tommy gets a pass-catching back”. He already has 3 running backs.
April 12th, 2021 at 6:48 pm
Jules…. It’s a Pirates Life for me!
Writings on the wall for 8th ring and HOF Induction!
Gronk, Edelman and Brady had it all planned out!๐๐ป๐ป
April 12th, 2021 at 6:51 pm
With this signing they now have a replacement for LeSean McCoy. Not really sure how much of a big deal that is. But if nothing else he can catch the ball on 3rd down. Not much of a threat running the ball either. But if it keeps Brady happy then I can’t complain too much.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:06 pm
Solid signing…. is Vaughn falling to 4th on a depth chart now a potential concern? Vaughn, Nelson, K. Davis…. if any of these are not the next man up at their position, draft that at #32 (Yes, even RB, since top 3 are all free agents next year)!
April 12th, 2021 at 7:06 pm
Danged nice move! I like it.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:08 pm
Great finally a pass catching back who is going to be our best pass protecting rb as well very happy with this signing
April 12th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
just found out from you guys Edelman got cut ultimates slot receiver never count him out guys a baller if we can get him for the veteran minimum sign em reliable reliable reliable and I agree though if healthy,,, love the Giovanni sign in I would definitely have a woody if we could get Edelman and healthy
April 12th, 2021 at 7:12 pm
No rush to sign Edelman, he will be around probably until training camps start, you see what you got in the guys returning and any potential rookie you pick up. I would rather get someone who can be effective in the return game
April 12th, 2021 at 7:13 pm
Edelman retired all
April 12th, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Alstott up the guy
Vaughn is a very great pass blocker. With the Bucs 30/70 run ratio he might be the number four RB but I assume he will get some more playing time to test his potential in his second year.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Vaugh is only average at pass blocking. He needs one more season and a full camp. Bernard will show him how to do it right. Hopefully RoJo is paying attention also.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:27 pm
I just woke up. This is fantastic news. Someone on NFL radio said Gio would be a perfect fit for Bucs weeks ago. And now it happened!
April 12th, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Yawn
He might end up getting cut.
April 12th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
Edelman retired,not cut
April 12th, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Oh,I see bird, you said that already
April 12th, 2021 at 7:37 pm
DaBux
โOn 26 total pass-blocking snaps, he earned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 84.3. That ranked second only to Nick Chubb (91.4) among running backs.โ
April 12th, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Realised ,,then retired
April 12th, 2021 at 8:19 pm
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ 5 ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฑ; ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ข, ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐..๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
April 12th, 2021 at 8:25 pm
No Edelman, please !
April 12th, 2021 at 8:35 pm
Cool stat showing our backs trying to catch balls last season :
Bucs running backs had 17 drops last year on 118 targets (by Fox Sports’ stats) — far too high a number. New addition Giovani Bernard had four drops on 59 targets, about half as often as the Bucs backs last year.
April 12th, 2021 at 8:40 pm
You still draft etienne if he is there. Everyone else is on a one year contract out the last year.
April 12th, 2021 at 8:52 pm
He was on a terrible team for many years, but make no mistake. He can CATCH, and then run with the ball.
April 12th, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Bengals to the Bucs. Bet heโs drunk tonight. Hope he buys a lottery ticket
April 12th, 2021 at 9:26 pm
Happy about the signing, but was hoping we would pick up Duke Johnson for the 3rd Down back role. He’s younger than Bernard, and not so injury prone. Bucs tried to bring him in from Cleveland a few years back, not sure why they weren’t interested anymore..#whatbradywantsbradygets
April 12th, 2021 at 9:58 pm
Could Edelman be the AB replacement? Geez
April 12th, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Bernard was a very dangerous RB/receiver prior to his ACl tear in 2016. Since then he hasn’t been used much playing behind Joe Mixon in Cincy. More elusive as a receiver but Less powerful as a runner than James White.
April 12th, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Another solid move by the Champs, J Licht and Co getting it done. GO BUCS!!!!
April 12th, 2021 at 11:13 pm
Draft bait…?
April 12th, 2021 at 11:20 pm
Good. Use the draft to build the OL and DL, the Chiefs and Packers both proved last year how much difference injuries in these areas can get in the way of winning.
April 12th, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Another tool in the box.
April 13th, 2021 at 12:40 am
Hard pass on Edelman. A tough dude and quick in the slot but it’s time for him to hang em up. Sign AB and let’s stop talking stupid.
April 13th, 2021 at 5:52 am
Literally the perfect running back for Bradys dink and dunk playing style…
April 13th, 2021 at 6:15 am
#LetsGoGio
#GoGioGoGio
April 13th, 2021 at 6:17 am
brady’s sales pitch to gio:
come play with us broski, i promise i won’t yell at ya…
and i will toss you a molecule shirt too…
#AndBoomHeSigns
April 13th, 2021 at 6:50 am
This dude had some breakout runs back in the day before his OL got porous. And he’s big in the passing game, so that will continue. It would be cool to see what he does running the ball behind a stout OL. Huge upgrade from Shady.