USA Today: Fournette A Smart Move
August 31st, 2020
In the eyes of one national NFL scribe, one team stands out as a wise landing spot for recently released Jags running back Leonard Fournette.
And that landing spot is (a brisk) walking distance from Tampa International Airport runways.
Per Nate Davis of USA Today, a team shoving all its poker chips to the middle of the table on a 43-year old quarterback with no stud running back on the roster should be all over Fournette.
In fact, Davis looked at all candidates to land Fournette and lists the Bucs as the top destination for the former LSU star.
Simply put, Davis types, if the Bucs are truly hellbent on gunning for the Super Bowl before the NFL salary cap drops big time next offseason, then why exactly would the Bucs not fully examine signing Fournette?
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pretty tempting marriage given QB Tom Brady and the new-look Bucs look relatively stacked everywhere, the backfield being an exception. Even if he’s just a two-down back, Fournette projects as a better option than recently signed LeSean McCoy, 32, or unproven youngsters like Ronald Jones or rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn. But one significant issue to overcome here: Tampa currently has the second-tightest 2020 salary cap, roughly $2.2 million, according to overthecap.com.
Yes, of course, the salary cap would be an issue if Fournette is asking for a lot of money.
Let’s put it this way: Joe has yet to hear from anyone at One Buc Palace saying it’s a load of fertilizer produced from bull droppings to suggest Fournette could help the Bucs win a Super Bowl.
If, by chance, Fournette may be an unsettling figure in the locker room, why wouldn’t Tom Brady and/or Jason Pierre-Paul keep this guy in line?
Therefore, Joe is confident the shot-callers at One Buc Palace are examining how they can land Fournette and how they could use him to reach their goal of playing in February, which just happens to be the Super Bowl held in the very same crib the Bucs call “home.”
Oh, and as far as walking from One Buc Palace to the airport, Joe met a New York area-based NFL writer who, after covering a Giants-Bucs game last year, was fully willing forego using an Uber to get to TPA and instead hoof it to the airport.
Yes, really. Sportswriters can be unreasonably tight-arses with their wallets at times. Joe knows this from personal experience.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:05 pm
I’m pretty sure Devin White will vouch for him.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:10 pm
He’s 25 and proven! Keyshawn Vaughn isn’t anything special. Sign Fournette!! LFG!!
August 31st, 2020 at 2:11 pm
He’s going to the Pats.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:12 pm
The Jaguars are a dumpster fire right now and all the stars from just two years ago are pretty much gone. The Buccaneers have not had a physical running back since LeGarrette Blount. Leonard Fournette caught around 78 passes last year. Good blocker great protection for Brady and could help us on the goal line and first down situations. If Fournett wants to rekindle his career can’t imagine a better placeAnd if he knows it will be a minimum contract wherever he goes then why not stay in Florida with no state sales tax?. As far as leader ship goes I’ve never heard that form that is a cancer but I don’t know if he’s a leader. Either way Brady Gronkowski white Pierre Paul I’ll bring leader ship to the table. This would be awesome
August 31st, 2020 at 2:14 pm
I’m projecting Wednesday around noon the Buccaneers will announce they’re working on the contract with Leonard Fournette. And around 12:05 I will be updating my roster on madden’s!
August 31st, 2020 at 2:18 pm
I originally thought he would be too toxic, but I DO believe in the leadership on this team. Very intriguing.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Seems like a perfect match. Let’s see if it happens.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:35 pm
So, the Jaguars cut a former 4th pick in the draft who was their most productive offensive player last year…
Would it have anything to do with him advocating for Cam Newton to replace Minshew at QB? Or having a “pain in the ass” reputation?
Yeah, that’s just what the Bucs need 2 weeks before the season starts.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:36 pm
You think he would try to pull that or any stunt on Tom Brady?
Dudes want to make money. And win. If Fournette comes here and leads Bucs to the Super Bowl, you imagine how much cash he’d make next year on the open market?
Money or the potential for money, along with winning has a knack for making guys tow the team line. If the Jags were a favorite to win their division, you think he’d be unemployed today?
The Jags right now are a dumpster fire. The Bucs have a six-time Super Bowl winner gunning for a seventh. The Jags have a dude with a porn stash and a Rob Johnson headband for a quarterback who next year will be a Bears backup.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:39 pm
If the Jags are trying to get rid of him
…….then that’s all you need to know……….no thanks, I’ll pass
August 31st, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Wait a minute. The Jags were “trying” to get rid of Jalen Ramsey and a playoff team got him.
The Jags were “trying” to get rid of Yannick and a playoff team got him.
All of a sudden Fournette is a cancer only fit for the Jets or Dolphins?
Are you actually saying you wouldn’t want Ramsey or Yannick either?
August 31st, 2020 at 2:43 pm
Go get Fournette the guy is an elite RB….just like when the eagles won the super bowl with legarrette blount the bucs need a finisher and it is fournette
August 31st, 2020 at 2:43 pm
You think he would try that or any stunt on Tom Brady?
Why risk it this close to season? He’s not at end of his career like McCoy- doubt he’ll be happy with a pay cut to play with Brady.
Bucs seem to be building positive chemistry- Fournette is a great talent, but why weren’t Bucs interested in trading for him before for a mid round puck?
August 31st, 2020 at 2:48 pm
Sign him.
August 31st, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Who needs Fournette…..we’ve got DARE!!!
August 31st, 2020 at 3:09 pm
I undrestand the hype……But please explain me something…How do you pay him? The only two wayss are 1- Comes Cheap, 2- We trade a TE, wich is the only position you have value and is quite deep……Brate? ok, no thank you I pass….
ANd regarding if he comes cheap, the answer is quite obvious, he won´t
August 31st, 2020 at 3:11 pm
If hes picked up off waivers, he will be owed 4 mil this year.
August 31st, 2020 at 3:14 pm
I like Ronald Jones, but I don’t know how you can’t go after Fournette. The man’s a beast. I think we have a strong locker room. Everyone is saying Brady and JPP will shut down the negativity (they will), but Arians won’t allow someone to kill the atmosphere. I say bring him in!!! Hometown Super Bowl 2021!!!
August 31st, 2020 at 3:21 pm
In almost all situation where a so-called “big name” is released I say the Bucs should stay away from. The thing is, is that this time around Leonard Fournette would be an instant upgrade and a significant difference maker on the field.
If Ronald Jones II never played for the Bucs but put up similar numbers with another team, and both he and Fournette were available free agents, who would you take?
Yeah, I thought so.
August 31st, 2020 at 3:26 pm
My guess is Seattle, Pittsburgh or Washington would be the teams that would pick him up or he has to sit and wait until a team with injury at RB occurs. Lets not over look his 2019 season he rushed for over 1100 yards and had 76 catches for over 500 yards. So who ever picks him up is getting a solid back. Not really much wear and tear on him he is only 24 or 25. I’ll be shocked if Tampa Bay signed him with the season two weeks away.
August 31st, 2020 at 3:29 pm
As bad as this year is…real life Fantasy Football was the last thought on my mind.
August 31st, 2020 at 3:37 pm
This is probably not going to be worth it. Signing a constantly hurt running back that runs like it’s 2003. The man has been cooked for the last two years, I am not sure what he can bring that isn’t already here. I mean granted if he takes 2 million SURE GREAT. He probably isn’t.
August 31st, 2020 at 3:53 pm
Joe…you wouldn’t be saying one beloved and legendary sage and former writtenTampa Bay sports journalist is cheap when it comes to buying you a Bromosa, would you?
August 31st, 2020 at 4:04 pm
Sign this dude! Outside of McCoy, we don’t have a runner that has proven to be even average. With the cap expected to go down next year, we’ll most likely be blowing the team up, so if “ya ain’t got it, get it” (I miss Scot Brantley on the air).
August 31st, 2020 at 5:03 pm
He brings power to a finesse style offense. It’s a no brainer
August 31st, 2020 at 5:07 pm
No risk it, no biscuit! Get Fournette for 1 year. He might come cheap just to regain his reputation, win a SB, and go cash in the following year.
Like Rapoport said, this year should not be about money at this point in time for Fournette.
August 31st, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Let Stinnett be third string QB, release Griffin and McCoy sign Fournette one year 4.1 the balance of his contract.
August 31st, 2020 at 5:36 pm
1600 total yards from the line of scrimmage in 2019.
Ronald Jones & Leonard Fournette would make a one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in the league.
August 31st, 2020 at 5:49 pm
1,000-yard Duos
-Franco Harris & Rocky Bleier
-Kevin Mack & Earnest Byner
-Jonathan Stewart & DeAngelo Williams
Ronald Jones & Leonard Fournette?
August 31st, 2020 at 7:09 pm
The Bucs have added some winning-mentality veteran leadership, so maybe. Kinda like when the Bucs signed Simeon Rice years ago.
August 31st, 2020 at 7:12 pm
The Bucs love passing the ball (as they should with the talent they have) to have two 1,000 rushers. I’d be happy with one.
August 31st, 2020 at 7:30 pm
BA says we will see on signing Fournette. He’s leaving the door open that’s a good sign.
August 31st, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Trade cameron brate and ronald jones bring him and sign clowney with brates money.. Now we got a TEAM!
August 31st, 2020 at 8:48 pm
“Lol
Jacs have no shame
This is Lovie part 2
Tank for Trevor
Signing Mike Glennon = #1 pick Trevor Lawrence
How do you say “trust the Process” in Pakistan?”
Kobe Faker
August 31st, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Hes got to clear waivers he cant just sign with tampa.
August 31st, 2020 at 11:11 pm
The idea of Fournette far outweighs reality. He’s closer to being a bust than a HOFr. Which is what he looked like coming out of college. Washed out… we e got Shady, a better fit and priced appropriately.
In BA I Trust!
September 1st, 2020 at 12:26 am
I still don’t know why the jags put him to the curb…
Great talent but something smells a little fishy?
September 1st, 2020 at 3:38 am
gardner minshew is the next ron jeremy
🙂
September 1st, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Kobe Faker you are exactly right Jacksonville is in full blown tank for Trevor mode.
September 1st, 2020 at 11:53 pm
adam from ny Says:
“gardner minshew is the next ron jeremy”
.
.
I had to find out what you were talking about. I think I found it: