Report: Bucs to release Fournette after 3 seasons
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to release running back Leonard Fournette when the new league year begins March 15, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Fournette asked to be released, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.
Leonard Fournette asked to be released from the #Bucs, sources tell @theScore.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2023
I’m told it “was a mutual decision with no hard feelings.” Fournette, still just 28, is looking for a fresh start and wants to compete for another Super Bowl. He should have a good market as well.
Fournette spent the last three seasons with the Bucs after playing the first three years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tampa Bay is $56.5 million over the cap, according to OverTheCap. The team will save just under $3.5 million if Fournette is a pre-June 1 cut or just under $5 million with a post-June 1 designation.
The 28-year-old played in 16 games for the Bucs this season, finishing with 668 rushing yards, 523 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns. He's totaled 6,697 scrimmage yards and 41 scores since being selected fourth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Rachaad White, a third-round selection in 2022, is likely to see an increase in playing time. White had 481 yards and one score on the ground while contributing 290 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air in his rookie campaign.