Report: Buccaneers ‘could potentially’ sign All-Pro RB as backup

It was reported at the end of February that the Bucs were planning to release Leonard Fournette in March, paving the way for youngster Rachaad White to take over lead duties in the backfield. 

The 2022 third-round pick showed flashes last season with four straight solid games from Weeks 10 through 14, highlighted by a career-high 105 rushing yards in a win against the Seattle Seahawks and a nine-catch effort against the Cleveland Browns.

The Cowboys released Elliott in mid-March in an expected move, and while it’s been reported multiple times since then that he could find a way back onto the team, his career’s been trending downward in recent years.

In 15 games last season, Zeke set career lows in rushing attempts (231), rushing yards (876), yards per carry (3.8), targets (23), receptions (17) and receiving yards (92), while failing to record a receiving touchdown for the first time in his seven NFL seasons. Elliott was let go as the franchise’s third-leading rusher at 8,262 yards and ranked third in rushing touchdowns (68) as well.

Dallas signed former Tampa Bay back Ronald Jones in March to give the team depth behind 2022 Pro Bowler Tony Pollard. The Buccaneers signed former Arizona Cardinal, Denver Bronco and Miami Dolphin Chase Edmonds and still have 2020 third-round pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn to back up White.