Bernard is re-signing with the Buccaneers on a one-year contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The 30-year-old RB reportedly fielded offers from multiple teams before deciding to stay in Tampa Bay, where he had eight carries and 23 catches in 12 games last season. Bernard should continue to have a role on third downs, though Leonard Fournette -- also re-signed this offseason -- has proven capable of handling much of the receiving workload out of the backfield. The Bucs did lose Ronald Jones to the Chiefs in March, but he and Bernard were never competing for the same snaps anyway.
Giovani Bernard Quiet end to season
Bernard did not log a rush attempt and failed to bring in his only target during the Buccaneers' 30-27 loss to the Rams in their NFC divisional-round matchup Sunday. He also returned one punt for two yards.
Analysis: The veteran running back logged just nine snaps from scrimmage with Leonard Fournette (hamstring) back in the fold, and no other running back but the latter ended up seeing any carries. Bernard was serviceable when given opportunities this past season, even though those were few and far between. The 30-year-old rushed just eight times for 58 yards, but he did bring in 23 of 29 targets for 123 yards and three touchdowns across 12 regular-season games. He also enjoyed his most productive performance by far during the wild-card win over the Eagles, when he rushed 13 times for 44 yards and a touchdown and added another 39 yards on five grabs. Bernard is due to head back into unrestricted free agency at the start of the new league year, and it remains to be seen if he and the Buccaneers will be interested in having him remain in Tampa.
Connect With Us: