Running back Leonard Fournette is expected to be released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the start of the new league year, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.
The new league year begins March 15.
Fournette is in line to receive $2 million in guaranteed salary for 2023. Provided Fournette’s exit comes as a post-June 1 designation, the Bucs will save over $1.5 million on the salary cap, per NFL Network.
The move to cut bait is not a surprise considering Fournette was supplanted by then-rookie Rachaad White toward the end of last season.
Fournette, 28, signed a three-year, $21 million extension prior to the 2022 season. He rushed for 668 yards and three touchdowns and added 73 catches for 523 yards and three scores in 16 games (nine starts).
Fournette has rushed for 4,478 yards and 34 touchdowns and added 312 catches for 2,219 yards and seven scores in 79 career games (61 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buccaneers. He was selected by the Jaguars with the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft out of LSU.
White, 24, rushed for 481 yards and one touchdown in 17 games last season. He was selected by the Bucs in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media