Could Bucs RB Be On The Cutting Block?

The Bucs operating again room is fairly loaded proper now. Starter Leonard Fournette was introduced again on a three-year $21 million deal after testing the waters in free company. As was veteran Giovani Bernard, who agreed to return on a one-year deal.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn, the workforce’s third spherical decide in 2020, stays on the roster and noticed his snaps improve final season. Whereas kick return candidate and emergency operating again, Kenjon Barner additionally re-signed with the workforce.

Tampa Bay then addressed the place on this yr’s draft. Deciding on Arizona State operating again Rachaad White within the third spherical. White is one other again with all-around recreation and replaces Ronald Jones II, who struggled within the passing recreation. A succesful runner and receiver, White ought to see snaps early in his rookie season.

Which RB May On The Chopping Block?

Although might White’s addition spell the tip for older Bernard? ESPN’s Jenna Laine apparently thinks so. In an article published by the four-letter network, Laine was tasked with naming one participant who could also be a coaching camp minimize candidate. Right here is her excerpt from the article:

“With Leonard Fournette turning into a three-down again, Ke’Shawn Vaughn‘s enchancment and the Bucs deciding on Rachaad White within the third spherical of the NFL draft, the place does that go away Bernard? He’ll be 31 in November, and he caught 23 passes for 123 yards and had 58 speeding yards on eight carries final yr. If White assimilates into the Bucs’ system shortly and may persistently decide up a blitz, Bernard may very well be omitted.”

Laine’s rationalization is sensible, nevertheless it’s arduous to see that occuring. It’s not going that Tampa Bay retains solely three rushers on the roster. After the accidents the Bucs have skilled on the place the previous two seasons, depth shall be crucial. White might very properly be an impression participant in 2022, however he’s nonetheless a rookie who hasn’t logged a snap within the NFL but.

Bernard missed 5 video games to harm final season however caught practically each move thrown to him when he was known as upon. He caught 23 passes on 29 targets ending with 123 yards and three touchdowns. By no means often known as an actual speeding menace, he did have eight carries for 58 yards. Whereas not anticipated to have an enormous position within the operating recreation, chopping Bernard would imply parting methods with a serviceable veteran who offers insurance coverage towards harm. And leaving the Bucs with simply three high quality operating backs.