Giovani Bernard Returns To Bucs
April 1st, 2022
Back in the saddle.
UPDATED 2:30 p.m. – Ira can rest easy tonight.
Famed JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman loves, loves, loves backup running back Giovani Bernard. And so Joe is confident that tonight, Ira will celebrate with a beet salad because Bernard has agreed to return to the Bucs on a one-year deal.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has the details below. Bernard, 30, caught 23 balls and three touchdowns during the last regular season, his first in Tampa. He also ran for a score in the playoffs and caught five postseason passes, all against the Eagles.
Running back will be an interesting position to watch. Gone is Ronald Jones but Joe suspects Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who had a strong showing towards the end of the regular season last year, will pick up the slack left by RoJo.
And Joe will not be shocked if the Bucs draft this bruising-blocker, multi-purpose Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller.
The #Bucs agreed to terms with RB Giovani Bernard on a one-year deal, per source.
Bernard had multiple offers, but chose to return to Tampa. Another one of Tom Brady’s favorites back in the fold.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 1, 2022
April 1st, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Good, because the RBs in the 2022 draft class are all mid, including Spiller. Brady is not trying to have a rookie RB back there whiffing in passpro and dropping outlet passes.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Need me some Suh and Gronk news. Happy Gio is back
April 1st, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Beat salad!
LOL!!!
Nothing like canned beats in a salad. Used to give it to the dog to make him vomit after he ate something he shouldn’t.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Def not drafting a rb….we’re good at that spot. But I really wanted Robinson Jr.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:32 pm
More signs pointing to going D-trench in the draft.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:37 pm
All the backs from last year, minus Rojo.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:42 pm
No need to draft a running back you have three better than average talent. Bring in a couple after the draft see if you can find a fourth stringer practice squad etc.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Solid signing.
Take a look at Bucs D-line / pass rush on the depth chart.
Benning Potoa’e starting? I know, that will change. But when and with who?
SHAQ only player that will consistently get a pass rush. Hopefully JTS blossoms.
Need some more magic from Jason in the draft!
I wouldn’t be surprised if first two picks in the draft are front 7 D
April 1st, 2022 at 2:46 pm
LOVE this signing!! Brady does too I’ll bet. Gio was thriving in his 3rd down role before his injury. Jaymiss approves!
April 1st, 2022 at 2:53 pm
We’re still drafting a RB.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:58 pm
I am also so happy that Gio is back!
Now, we need to draft more pass rushers!
April 1st, 2022 at 2:59 pm
As long as he stays healthy, but @joebucsfan why are these Miami rumors still floating and why would Tom Brady post about their receivers ?? I have a weird feeling that we might be seeing Oscar winning performances and BA really retired because he didn’t want to be a part of a rebuild or coaching Tua ?? You have Sean Payton out there and I think Todd is a great man and not sure if it’s standard to sign the coach to a 5 year deal, but just don’t see him being that good. Yes he’s had some good years as a DC and everyone blames the Jets were horrible, but something seems Fishy !! Go Bucs
April 1st, 2022 at 2:59 pm
To Goatfarmer:
Try using the pickled beets… save the regular ones for your dog.
April 1st, 2022 at 2:59 pm
That’s three RBs on the roster. We normally carry 4 on the 54 man roster.
We should still draft an RB in rounds 2-4…
April 1st, 2022 at 3:01 pm
An excellent signing!
April 1st, 2022 at 3:05 pm
3 down 1 to go. And then there is Bell. I think we are set at RB. QB. Line. WR. Offense is done. I bet it will be a defense draft year. Wheres the Beef?
April 1st, 2022 at 3:12 pm
CrackerBall — LOL!!!
April 1st, 2022 at 3:15 pm
MadMax: Maybe the Bucs still take a RB in the 7th, if he’s a good returner. I have very little faith as Darden as an NFL returner.
April 1st, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Love Gio…..wonder who he’s pulling for tomorrow night?
As for the draft & RBs…….maybe 4-7 or pick up a cheap FA or even an UDFA……perhaps even a FB for special run packages…..
We need to go Dline with our first two picks……then TE, CB
April 1st, 2022 at 3:29 pm
If the Bucs do draft Spiller he may end up being the best of the lot.
April 1st, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Tell Ira that Bowles is already involved with the offense……plans to use Gio more than BA/BL……..Gio is BA ….”Brady Approved”
April 1st, 2022 at 3:33 pm
keep signing Offensive Plyers. YOU..cannot turn chicken Sh.. into chicken salad. I’m talkin about our Defense.
April 1st, 2022 at 3:56 pm
I said a long time ago that a trade with Miami involving Brady and Tua might happen. Might. Don’t think the odds are high after Brady came back, but if the price is right, Tua plus high draft pics, it might happen. Brady and his wife have their future in Miami. And the teammis young and improving. Still think the odds are low.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:02 pm
TBBF: I’d like to see the Bucs get more pass rushers, too.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Spot on Dooley.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Great signing! Reliable third down back who can catch and pick up blitz’s. Perfect for Tommy! Will draft a RB in rounds 2-4 to complete the position. It’s all falling into place 🙂
April 1st, 2022 at 4:10 pm
I’m excited for the Bucs season to start We got Brady and high quality talent to catch his passes
Who do we have as a return man? We need the second coming of Devin Hester
Go Bucs
April 1st, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Hopefully this means that Licht doesn’t draft an RB with our first 4 picks. We have other needs that are far more important.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:14 pm
‘And Joe will not be shocked if the Bucs draft this bruising-blocker, multi-purpose Texas A&M running back Isaiah Spiller’.
Totally agree Joe that the Bucs should draft a ‘bruising-blocker, multi-purpose’ RB. Spiller’s not that guy. 6′ & 215 lbs doesn’t qualify as ‘bruising’ to me, plus he not that fast (4.55 sec). One RB however who is ranked slightly higher than Spiller is Bama’s Brian Robinson (6’1″ & 226 lbs who also ran a 4.55). Pretty much a downhill runner but with the size to do some damage blocking.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Still upset Bucs didn’t nab Patterson. rb/wr/return in one.
April 1st, 2022 at 4:36 pm
If they stay relatively healthy, this offence is going to put up some points!! Perhaps average 35 a game!!
April 1st, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Hope he can stay healthy
April 1st, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Let’s sign Gronk, Suh and JPP and then draft a CB or two.
April 1st, 2022 at 6:11 pm
#8 Says:
April 1st, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Still upset Bucs didn’t nab Patterson. rb/wr/return in one.
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I wanted this guy last year. Too bad he re signed with Atlanta just before Ryan got forked over by Atlanta.
Glad Ryan is out of the division. Glad that Indy is a good fit for him.
April 1st, 2022 at 6:17 pm
The band is almost back. Just…Suh, Gronk and jpp and it’s done.
April 1st, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Maybe now that BA is gone they’ll use him.
April 1st, 2022 at 6:52 pm
Woot!
April 1st, 2022 at 7:43 pm
They aren’t drafting a RB! They just signed Fournette! Would be an awful use of resources when the team still has multiple holes at TE, G and 3-4DE.
April 1st, 2022 at 7:44 pm
They couldn’t figure out how to use him last year, hopefully we can really utilize his elusiveness. Brady should use him like James White.
April 1st, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Awesome and yes on spiller too.
April 1st, 2022 at 9:12 pm
BUCman
A RB round 2-4??? With defensive HC Bowles and need OL help??? Year by year so much idiocy by so many that the Bucs are gonna draft a RB early.
April 1st, 2022 at 9:25 pm
3 backs who can run and catch and pass protect, if they add another guy he’ll be a bubble roster spot.
Ronald Jones just didn’t fit here, Brady demands and craves versatility from a running back.
Too many holes in my opinion to draft a back in rounds 1-4 – we need a OG, DE, CB, DT, and TE.
I’d say TE is a bigger need than some are saying so far; Yes we will resign Gronk, but if he gets hurt… Brate cannot block. I’d target Jake Ferguson from Wisconsin in round 3 or 4.
April 2nd, 2022 at 12:46 am
So happy TB is the coach of TB in TB. This is what I wanted all along AND we keep BL time to get #3. I can see us going all D early in the draft then grab a G, TE and possible RB later. Ideally I’d prefer us go:
DT/DE
DE/DT
DB [BPA at CB or S]
EDGE
G
TE
RB
April 2nd, 2022 at 3:36 am
I’m not a fan of same old, when there are opportunities to upgrade. Rashaad Penny, Marlon Mack, Melvin Gordon, Sony Michel and others all better than Lenny. There are some killers in the draft: Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, Zamir White, Dameon Price.
They, and Brady, have chosen continuity same old. They have also chosen average in Lenny and Gio. Pray that this committee is enough, and that Key Vaughn completely busts out into pro bowl form.
The only silver lining is that it clears the draft for DEFENSE.
April 2nd, 2022 at 7:47 am
Now with RoJo gone this should give Gio more opportunity
April 2nd, 2022 at 7:56 am
Steele, how can you say those RB’s are better than Lenny? I watched Michel since he entered the league, he is a bust. A few good games but NO consistency. Gordon since his injury is washed up. Lenny is a baller and stays pretty healthy. Gio has been under used and who knows about Vaughn. Gronk will come back, Bucs need to really start focusing on D. Many say the Dline, I still believe the DB’s are the weakest link.
April 2nd, 2022 at 10:07 am
Draft another value RB in the draft and we are good.