The new NFL year doesn’t officially begin until March 15, but we’re already starting to hear buzz about some players that will be released from their current teams on that date. One such player is Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran running back Leonard Fournette.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that the Bucs plan to release Fournette, who turned 28 in January. Fournette just finished his third season in Tampa after playing his first three seasons in Jacksonville. He helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV.
Fournette rushed for 668 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, along with 73 receptions for another 523 yards and three scores. His 3.5 yards per carry was the second-lowest average of his career. He finished with the 12th-most fantasy points among running backs.
Fournette’s departure would pave the way for second-year player Rachaad White to become not only the Buccaneers’ No. 1 running back but a viable fantasy back.
White, a third-round pick out of Arizona State last year, had a modest rookie campaign. He finished 2022 with 481 rushing yards and one touchdown, adding 50 receptions for 290 yards and two scores.
White finished as the RB36 in 2022, but he had 60 fewer rushing attempts than Fournette. Assuming White gets the majority of carries in 2023, he should enter the conversation as a top 10 fantasy RB.
Of course, there will be questions about all Buccaneers fantasy options as long as the quarterback situation remains unclear. With Tom Brady’s retirement, the Bucs starting QB job is wide open.
