Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette could have demanded top dollar by playing elsewhere.
He would have attracted several teams because of his penchant for playing great during big games.
But following Tom Brady‘s return for a 23rd NFL season, Fournette returned to the Buccaneers and signed a three-year deal.
The contract is worth $21 but could go up to $24 million due to incentives.
Running it back with the Buccaneers makes sense because they were two games away from another Super Bowl berth.
Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Rams edged them during the Divisional Round.
With their core on offense back together, Tampa Bay has the firepower to make it back to the playoffs.
Anything less than that result would be a disappointment.
In preparation for the 2022 season, Fournette is building his bulk.
#Bucs RB Leonard Fournette, fresh off signing a 3-year, $21 million contract with the team, says he now weights over 240 pounds.
He was listed *by the team* at 228 pounds last season. pic.twitter.com/s6bgQpUZNq
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 7, 2022
NFL insider Dov Kleiman tweeted, “#Bucs RB Leonard Fournette, fresh off signing a 3-year, $21 million contract with the team, says he now weighs over 240 pounds. He was listed *by the team* at 228 pounds last season.”
Adding mass helps him repel tacklers, especially defensive linemen or linebackers.
That way, he could gain extra yards on the ground which could lead to more first downs.
However, it remains to be seen if his additional weight hampers his speed.
He does have a few more months to get used to it without compromising his performance.
Fournette Wanting To Match Derrick Henry?
The Tennessee Titans have running back Derrick Henry listed at 247 pounds.
In that case, Fournette is getting close to the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year.
After finishing with 812 rushing yards in 2021, perhaps Fournette is aiming for a 1,000-yard rushing season.
He last achieved that feat in 2019 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Repeating that milestone will certainly help the Buccaneers’ cause.
NEXT: Leonard Fournette Comments On His Legendary Nickname