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Last year, the Pirates managed to get all of their free agents back. Some have already left this year.
One key member remains available. Running back Leonard Furnett is not signed. He reportedly visited the Patriots on Monday. Also on Monday, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht considered returning Furnett for a third year in Tampa.
“I would say that we will continue to negotiate with many of our players and will do everything in our power,” Licht said. “We’d love for Leonard to come back.”
The problem may be money. We’ve heard that Furnett has become a free agent, hoping to make $12 million a year. It definitely doesn’t happen in New England. Or in Tampa. Or probably anywhere.
The fourth pick in the 2017 draft, Furnett was eliminated by Jacksonville before turning his career around with the Buccaneers. He used the injury to launch Ronald Jones into a starring role at the end of the 2020 Super Bowl. Fournette was Bucs’ top pick last year.
Since Jones is also a free agent, the Buccaneers can rely on Ke’Shon Vaughn or a rookie (or two) if Furnette leaves.