Tommy Gets A Running Back

April 12th, 2021

New Bucs RB Giovani Bernard.

Well, Joe tips his cap to Travis Etienne and says, “One can always dream.”

Why is that? Well, it is unlikely the Bucs draft a running back at No. 32 since the Bucs just signed one today.

Per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bucs today signed free agent running back Giovani Bernard. It’s interesting that the Bucs pulled out their heavy artillery to lure the 29-year-old former second-round pick to Tampa Bay.

The eight-year veteran isn’t much for running the ball in recent years, but he can catch. In his last two seasons in Cincinnati, a team with no offensive line to speak of, Bernard nearly averaged eight yards a catch.

Last year, Bernard had one of his best seasons catching the ball as he hauled in 47 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Going for Two.



84 Responses to “Tommy Gets A Running Back”

  1. Kwame Richardson,Sr. Says:

    Checkmate!!! Go Bucs.

  2. Richard Dickson Says:

    Hey, we beat the Chiefs again!

  3. james west Says:

    yessum

  4. SteveK Says:

    Great pickup, takes over for Shadyโ€™s role.

    Now resign AB.

  5. D-Rome Says:

    This is an excellent sign for the Bucs which provides great depth. The Bucs have had as good an off season as any fan can hope for. I have no reason to believe the Bucs will not be back to the Super Bowl unless they suffer an injury to one of their key players. The Bucs are currently the most complete team in the NFL. Jason Licht has been nothing short of masterful since 2020.

  6. Alexander Nascimento Says:

    Going for 2 indeed
    Go Bucs!

  7. Winny Testaverde Says:

    Good signing…has more left in the tank than McCoy did last season. The type of signing a team trying to repeat makes at no doubt a cap friendly deal.

  8. Gofortheface30 Says:

    This is far far greater than Shadyโ€™s role – they basically got a better version of James White. He is going to be playing a lot. Fantastic pass blocker and receiver with speed. Important if not crucial in todayโ€™s game, even tho some people on here are adamant that Ronald Jones is Walter Payton reincarnated

  9. 813bucboi Says:

    stevek

    i agree…

    sign AB!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!

  10. Bird Says:

    Wow

    Thats big. Dude played on some bad bengals teams
    Wants to win
    Wants to have a good year for bigger contract

    Guy has great hands
    Bye bye running back it looks.

    Now they can focus on trenches and one corner

  11. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Love it, was hoping for this as soon as the Bengals released him.

    Bye bye Shady, congrats on a great career just not with the Bucs.

  12. Durango 95 Says:

    Will be interesting to see how they incorporate him in to the game plan. Not sure about this signing. Not really feeling it. But what Tommy wants Tommy gets-and why not.

  13. Guzzie Says:

    Go sign Edelman next he got cut today

  14. Casual Observer Says:

    Sounds good. Can he return kicks too?

  15. SB~LV Says:

    Wise insurance this far out, maybe he does maybe he doesnโ€™t.
    Travis Entenni , not disputing his game!
    I am concerned about all the mileage he has.
    One year at a time and 2021 is a huge year and he would fit the need for a explosive player

  16. Gofortheface30 Says:

    Iโ€™d be down to sign Edelman, if heโ€™s healthy, but…he isnโ€™t. If weโ€™re gonna use more resources on a veteran receiver that isnโ€™t AB then Iโ€™d prefer it to be Larry Fitz

  17. Drebucsfan Says:

    Julian Edelman just got released today, will he be joining his buddy the GOAT as well. Seems like if they both take vet league minimum weโ€™d have a 2 for one bu not signing AB back. Basically just use that money and sign these guys. Either way it feels great to be a BUC right now!!!!

  18. JimmyJack Says:

    Would not rule out the Bucs drafting a RB. When Sept rolls around not everybody makes the team like you thought they would back in April.

  19. Bird Says:

    Leftwich is going to the drawing board right now

    That was one weakness on offense
    Rumors are arians and brady made run at Bernardi
    Crazy times fellow buc fans

  20. ClodHopper Says:

    Great move!

  21. Allbuccedup Says:

    Julian Eldelman was just released by the Pats. If he can still play there is another possibility.

  22. 813bucboi Says:

    edelman is washed up…

    AB over JE all day every day and twice on sunday!!!!

    GO BUCS!!!!

  23. James Walker Says:

    That guy can catch a football and is dangerous in space. His screen game is also very good.

  24. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I could be wrong but isn’t this the first player on our roster that doesn’t have a ring?
    Perhaps he will get his next year.

  25. R.O. Says:

    Could be the Bucs donโ€™t think the RB they would consider at 32 will be there at 32. Doesnโ€™t mean they wonโ€™t take one. Again give them more flexibility at every pick.

  26. David Says:

    Interesting. He is a 3rd down back. Catches and blocks.
    That means Rojo and Lenny splitting time or does one carry the load?
    Seems like Vaughn is going to be utilized very little again.
    He can cut once and explode…. kick return?

  27. BA4President Says:

    Sorry Joe, QB at #32!!!!

  28. SOEbuc Says:

    Thank god we can stop with the early RB BS. Heโ€™s pretty shifty he might be looked upon in the return game as well.

    Next!

  29. adrnagy Says:

    Called it as soon Bernard got released.

  30. Darin Says:

    813 must be a tyke. Takes all kinds i guess. Sign AB?? Tell ab that dodo. He has offers on the table. Take it or leave it. He’s not calling shots anymore. And those offers wont be on the table another two weeks.

  31. DrunkInYbnor Says:

    and the rich get richer!! MWAHAHAHA!! That was my villain laugh.

  32. gbobucsfan Says:

    As a Tar Heel and Bucs fan…..I dig this move!!!

  33. Cobraboy Says:

    Very solid signing.

  34. Tackleblockwin Says:

    He isnโ€™t a good fit, he is a perfect fit! A+++ signing.

  35. alaskabuc Says:

    I really wanted Etienne, but Iโ€™ve always been a huge Gio fan, and this opens up a lot of options in the draft. Do work Mr. Licht!!

  36. Stanglassman Says:

    Great job. Now the Bucs arenโ€™t forced to draft one. Draft flexibility is always important. If ones falls to them fine if not thatโ€™s fine too.

  37. cape codder Says:

    Back to back GM of the year. Well done, Mr.GM.

  38. Buc4evr Says:

    Now letโ€™s re-sign AB and focus the draft on Best Available DL, CB and QB. This offense is going to be insane if OJ can actually get his act together this season. Still need AB when the top two have injuries. Licht canโ€™t let this insurance policy sign with another team.

  39. donuts Says:

    Giovani Bernard played at Saint Thomas Aquinas Raiders in Fort Lauderdale under the great HC George Smith. For those of you who know FL football, coach Smith is considered one of the best ever and in FL HS FB HOF. Hey I bet even Joe didnt know this little nugget – James White (NE) also played at St Thomas at the same time with Bernard. Even Chucky has a Raider on his squad in Lamarcus Joyner.

    Bernard is a tough kid; his only knock is injury bug gets him periodically. The good news is he has been sitting on the shelf behind Joe Mixon past 2 years. This kid is lightning when healthy.

  40. Hope springs eternal Says:

    Great move. Fills a gap in 3rd down situations. Also opens round 32 for a defensive stud. Other than a backup qb, the Bucs should go heavy on defense and offense line picks. A stud line backer too. Bucs are loaded on offense skill players.

  41. Buczilla Says:

    Damn, a running back that can actually catch well?!? Licht continues to amaze me and he should be in the running for executive of the year again.

  42. RioDeJaneiroBucsFan Says:

    Very good sign and now itโ€™s clear that the Bucs wonโ€™t go RB in the draft. IMO, itโ€™s a wise move, Licht got a proven veteran, hungry for winning. In the draft, it will be the best (defensive, I guess) player available
    Greg Newsome II or an OLB would be great

  43. Alvin Scissors Harper Says:

    Aquinas is a terrific football program in this state, often ending the season of my high school alma mater, the Naples High Golden Eagles, another great program.

  44. Topdoggie Says:

    If AB signs we will have fewer roster spots than we have draft picks. I smell a trade up into the first round.

  45. adrnagy Says:

    1rd – oline. Brady must be protected. And if … injury happens thereโ€™s a solid backup.
    2 rd – DT

  46. cape codder Says:

    If the player you want is not available, trade out this year and upgrade your pick next year.

  47. lambeau Says:

    Great news.
    One advantage over James White is the uncertainty he brings if it’s a run play–he ran more than Leonard last year–so you’re not tipping your hand bringing him in.

  48. SKBucsFan Says:

    Thank goodness. Now hopefully Licht doesn’t feel a need to draft an RB. O-Line and D-line get some reinforcements.

  49. lokog Says:

    damn it feels good to be a champion getting high smoking weed all day

  50. Casual Observer Says:

    Joe’s headline should have read “Tommy gets a pass-catching back”. He already has 3 running backs.

  51. PatsBucsfan4years Says:

    Jules…. It’s a Pirates Life for me!
    Writings on the wall for 8th ring and HOF Induction!
    Gronk, Edelman and Brady had it all planned out!๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿป

  52. Durango 95 Says:

    With this signing they now have a replacement for LeSean McCoy. Not really sure how much of a big deal that is. But if nothing else he can catch the ball on 3rd down. Not much of a threat running the ball either. But if it keeps Brady happy then I can’t complain too much.

  53. Alstott up the gut Says:

    Solid signing…. is Vaughn falling to 4th on a depth chart now a potential concern? Vaughn, Nelson, K. Davis…. if any of these are not the next man up at their position, draft that at #32 (Yes, even RB, since top 3 are all free agents next year)!

  54. DaBux Says:

    Danged nice move! I like it.

  55. Ash Says:

    Great finally a pass catching back who is going to be our best pass protecting rb as well very happy with this signing

  56. Ne+ bucs fan Says:

    just found out from you guys Edelman got cut ultimates slot receiver never count him out guys a baller if we can get him for the veteran minimum sign em reliable reliable reliable and I agree though if healthy,,, love the Giovanni sign in I would definitely have a woody if we could get Edelman and healthy

  57. rrsrq Says:

    No rush to sign Edelman, he will be around probably until training camps start, you see what you got in the guys returning and any potential rookie you pick up. I would rather get someone who can be effective in the return game

  58. Bird Says:

    Edelman retired all

  59. SOEbuc Says:

    Alstott up the guy

    Vaughn is a very great pass blocker. With the Bucs 30/70 run ratio he might be the number four RB but I assume he will get some more playing time to test his potential in his second year.

  60. DaBux Says:

    Vaugh is only average at pass blocking. He needs one more season and a full camp. Bernard will show him how to do it right. Hopefully RoJo is paying attention also.

  61. Medicated Pete Says:

    I just woke up. This is fantastic news. Someone on NFL radio said Gio would be a perfect fit for Bucs weeks ago. And now it happened!

  62. Swampbuc Says:

    Yawn

    He might end up getting cut.

  63. Ne+ bucs fan Says:

    Edelman retired,not cut

  64. Ne+ bucs fan Says:

    Oh,I see bird, you said that already

  65. SOEbuc Says:

    DaBux

    โ€œOn 26 total pass-blocking snaps, he earned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 84.3. That ranked second only to Nick Chubb (91.4) among running backs.โ€

  66. Ne+ bucs fan Says:

    Realised ,,then retired

  67. ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ฐ Says:

    ๐—œ ๐š‹๐šŽ๐š•๐š’๐šŽ๐šŸ๐šŽ ๐š˜๐šž๐š› ๐š๐šŽ๐šŠ๐š– ๐š‘๐šŠ๐šœ ๐šŠ๐š–๐šž๐š—๐š’๐š๐š’๐š˜๐š— ๐š๐š˜ ๐šŽ๐šŸ๐šŽ๐š— ๐š๐š›๐šŠ๐š๐šŽ ๐šž๐š™ ๐š๐š˜ ๐šŠ๐š—๐šข ๐š˜๐š—๐šŽ ๐š˜๐š ๐š๐š‘๐šŽ ๐š๐š’๐š›๐šœ๐š 5 ๐š™๐š’๐šŒ๐š”๐šœ ๐šŠ๐š—๐š ๐š๐šŽ๐š ๐šŠ ๐š€๐™ฑ; ๐šœ๐š˜๐š›๐š™๐š›๐š’๐šœ๐š’๐š—๐š ๐šŽ๐šŸ๐šŽ๐š›๐šข๐š‹๐š˜๐š๐šข, ๐šœ๐šŒ๐š›๐šŽ๐š ๐š’๐š—๐š ๐šž๐š™ ๐šŽ๐šŸ๐šŽ๐š›๐šข ๐š๐šŽ๐šŠ๐š– ๐š๐š›๐šŠ๐š๐š๐š‹๐š˜๐š›๐šŠ๐š ๐šŠ๐š—๐š ๐™ป๐š’๐šŒ๐š‘๐š ๐š”๐š’๐š•๐š•๐šœ ๐š๐š‘๐šŽ ๐š๐š›๐šŠ๐š๐š ๐šŠ๐š๐šŠ๐š’๐š—..๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ

  68. Buxszntkt Says:

    No Edelman, please !

  69. Bird Says:

    Cool stat showing our backs trying to catch balls last season :

    Bucs running backs had 17 drops last year on 118 targets (by Fox Sports’ stats) — far too high a number. New addition Giovani Bernard had four drops on 59 targets, about half as often as the Bucs backs last year.

  70. Beejezus-belt Says:

    You still draft etienne if he is there. Everyone else is on a one year contract out the last year.

  71. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    He was on a terrible team for many years, but make no mistake. He can CATCH, and then run with the ball.

  72. TampaTown Says:

    Bengals to the Bucs. Bet heโ€™s drunk tonight. Hope he buys a lottery ticket

  73. Buccinitz15 Says:

    Happy about the signing, but was hoping we would pick up Duke Johnson for the 3rd Down back role. He’s younger than Bernard, and not so injury prone. Bucs tried to bring him in from Cleveland a few years back, not sure why they weren’t interested anymore..#whatbradywantsbradygets

  74. Cainishere Says:

    Could Edelman be the AB replacement? Geez

  75. MarkRIf Says:

    Bernard was a very dangerous RB/receiver prior to his ACl tear in 2016. Since then he hasn’t been used much playing behind Joe Mixon in Cincy. More elusive as a receiver but Less powerful as a runner than James White.

  76. August 1976 Buc Says:

    Another solid move by the Champs, J Licht and Co getting it done. GO BUCS!!!!

  77. Jbeachbuc Says:

    Draft bait…?

  78. DISCOYAK Says:

    Good. Use the draft to build the OL and DL, the Chiefs and Packers both proved last year how much difference injuries in these areas can get in the way of winning.

  79. gotbbucs Says:

    Another tool in the box.

  80. cmurda Says:

    Hard pass on Edelman. A tough dude and quick in the slot but it’s time for him to hang em up. Sign AB and let’s stop talking stupid.

  81. OneBucc55 Says:

    Literally the perfect running back for Bradys dink and dunk playing style…

  82. adam from ny Says:

    #LetsGoGio

    #GoGioGoGio

  83. adam from ny Says:

    brady’s sales pitch to gio:

    come play with us broski, i promise i won’t yell at ya…

    and i will toss you a molecule shirt too…

    #AndBoomHeSigns

  84. lambchop Says:

    This dude had some breakout runs back in the day before his OL got porous. And he’s big in the passing game, so that will continue. It would be cool to see what he does running the ball behind a stout OL. Huge upgrade from Shady.