Former Buccaneers Star Rob Gronkowski Lobbies for Leonard Fournette in Free Agency

Rob Gronkowski makes his case for Leonard Fournette to be picked up by another NFL team following his release from the Bucs.

As the NFL offseason continues marching on and training camp is on the horizon, there are a few options remaining for teams to grab running backs in free agency. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back Leonard Fournette remains unsigned.

Fournette won a Super Bowl in his three years with the Bucs, and he did so alongside former star teammates Tom Brady, Mike Evans, and Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski, who played with Fournette in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, still has belief in Fournette as a player.

“Lenny is an absolute tank who’s versatile to be a three-down back and make a big play when you need it the most,” Gronkowski told The Score’s Jordan Schultz. “His unique skill set in the pass game at the size he is makes him a mismatch at all times.”

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During the Bucs’ 2020 Super Bowl run, Fournette had an incredible run and was very reliable in the playoffs. He racked up three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown in the four playoff games he started.

Fournette’s incredible play led to him receiving a handsome contract that ultimately didn’t pay off. This led to his release from the Bucs, and now searching for his next team on the open market.

The running back market is in tough shape right now. They’re being valued less and less. So far, Ezekiel Elliot, Dalvin Cook, and Kareem Hunt have also been released from their respective teams.

Fournette’s best chance to be signed will be during training camp when teams are able to properly assess a need, or as a replacement when the season rolls around.

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As Gronkowski mentioned, Fournette can be a big-play guy. He may not be a running back that’s going to get too many touches per game, but, on a cheap deal, he can provide solid stability on third downs and on the goal line.

Teams may be waiting to see if they can't land Cook as a free agent, but the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins are a few teams that could benefit from Fournette's services.

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