The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at risk of losing some key players to free agency this offseason, especially after Tom Brady announced his decision to retire. With Brady no longer under center for the Bucs, the team faces a far more uncertain future. One key player who is going to be weighing his options is running back Leonard Fournette. According to Matt Lombardo, Fournette is expected to test the open market in NFL free agency.

While this doesn't rule out a potential return to the Buccaneers in 2022, it certainly doesn't bode well for those hoping to see the 27-year-old back in Tampa Bay. Fournette figures to be one of the best running backs on the open market this offseason, so a team in need of an upgrade or some depth at the position could be interested in signing him via free agency.

In 2021, Fournette featured in 14 games. He rushed 182 times for 812 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 69 receptions, 454 receiving yards, and two touchdown catches. He has been a key component of the Buccaneers' rushing attack for the past two seasons, having won a ring with the franchise in the 2020 season.

With free agency looming and the Bucs' path back to the Super Bowl unclear, Fournette could look to sign with a team that has more immediate championship potential. Of course, if the Bucs are keen on bringing him back, they could very well look to re-sign him on the open market.

Fournette signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Bucs for the 2021 season, and will enter unrestricted free agency in March.