Bucs Release Leonard Fournette, Plan to Make More Cuts Soon

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 12: Leonard Fournette #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium on December 12, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FL – After spending the last three seasons in the 813, the Buccaneers have mutually agreed to part ways with veteran running back Leonard Fournette.

This decision comes as the Bucs continue to try and create enough cap space in the next two weeks to be active in free agency and to sign their upcoming draft class. Tampa currently has the worst cap space in the league, sitting over the limit by $53 million following this most recent move.

Fournette, 28, finished this season with the 2nd lowest yards per carry (3.5) and rushing yards per game (41.8) in his career despite playing 16 games. His biggest strength with the Bucs was his ability to catch out of the backfield, eclipsing 1,000 total yards in his last two seasons. This will make him an important asset to any team looking for a great receiving back to add to their backfield.

Just to confirm, Bucs have notified Leonard Fournette that he will be released with the start of the new league year on March 15. Saves the team about $3.5 million in cash and cap space, sets up Rachaad White for a larger role in 2023.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 28, 2023

With the retirement of future Hall-of-Fame QB Tom Brady, the team is stuck in a deep financial hole. With $35 million owed to Brady for next season, the Bucs have to make tough personnel decisions that could greatly affect the team’s performance moving forward. As indicated in the chart below, the Bucs currently have nine active players who carry a minimum cap hit of $10 million.

PLAYER	CAP HIT
Chris Godwin, WR	$23,750,000
Mike Evans, WR	$23,698,500
Shaquil Barrett, OLB	$21,252,941
Carlton Davis, CB	$18,215,689
Donovan Smith, LT	$17,900,000
Vita Vea, DT	$15,651,641
Ryan Jensen, C	$15,000,000
Russell Gage, WR	$12,166,666
Devin White, ILB	$11,706,000

The request for a release by Leonard Fournette is just the beginning of a slew of moves the Buccaneers will need to make to be financially compliant with the league. Some other notable names being considered as cap casualty candidates are Donovan Smith and Carlton Davis. Another way to create cap space would be to restructure contracts or trade some of the players who have deep cap hits. The only player who has been rumored to be a trade target is wide receiver Mike Evans, the most prolific and successful skill position player in Bucs history.

With this most recent move serving as the kickoff of a difficult offseason, Tampa Bay needs to decide if they are ready to sacrifice everything to build a stronger future for the franchise.