Buccaneers rebuild means Patriots should call for these players
The announcement of Tom Brady’s retirement this week set off several discussions regarding the future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the rest of the league.
It has been rumored for months that Brady was increasingly interested in a handful of teams to sign with for the 2023 season, including the Las Vegas Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers. However, because he decided to retire instead, at least for the time being, these teams will be looking to improve their quarterback room through free agency or the draft, opening up more players for other teams to bring in.
At the same time, it now opens the door for a team like the Patriots to call Tampa about some of their more sought-after players and inquire about a trade.
With the announcement of the 2023 salary cap, the Bucs learned they are in cap hell for the season. As it stands, they are currently $55 million over and will need to make drastic moves to kick off their rebuild.
Since the Patriots have a good amount to spend and many positions in need of improvement, there are a few players Bill Belichick should inquire about trading for this summer.
Bucs players the Patriots should inquire about
Leonard Fournette
AGE: 28
CONTRACT: Signed through 2024
2022 STATS: 16 games – 189 carries for 668 yards, 3 touchdowns | 73 receptions for 523 yards and 3 touchdowns
CAP SPACE IMPLICATIONS FOR 2023: Base salary – $6,500,000 | Cap hit – $8,470,576
One of the big decisions Belichick will be making this offseason is whether he intends to re-sign soon-to-be free agent running back Damien Harris. The 25-year-old’s rookie contract expires at the end of the 2022 season, and he’s spoken of his desire to return to New England if they’ll have him.
But if the Patriots choose to go in another direction, inquiring about Leonard Fournette wouldn’t be surprising. Before last season, he visited the Patriots as a free agent but was swayed to re-sign with Tampa after speaking with Tom Brady. Because they’ve already shown interest in Fournette, he’s likely atop the list of Bucs players that Belichick will be interested in trading for.
Not only is he a hard-hitting power-back, similar to Rhamondre Stevenson, but he is also a great option in the passing game. With Stevenson being the go-to guy for that from the backfield last year, adding Fournette would make for an explosive running back room.
Bucs’ details for trading Fournette this offseason after 6/1:
2023 Dead Cap: $1,500,000
2024 Dead Cap: $1,500,000
2023 Cap Savings if Fournette is traded: $6,970,576