Giovani Bernard 2022 Outlook
Tom Brady's return kept another Buccaneer in Tampa as the team agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Bernard. ... The free-agent pass-catching back had multiple offers but chose to turn to Tampa as Brady's sidecar. After eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Bernard signed in Tampa in 2021. Playing 12 games due to injury, Bernard caught 23 passes for 123 yards and three TDs. He added just eight carries for 58 yards. Bernard's return provides Brady with another back he trusts. While Bernard's 2021 campaign might not have been prolific, he's a good pass-catcher on third downs and, perhaps as important to Brady, is a stellar pass-rush blocker who can pick up the blitz. The Bucs entered the offseason with their top three backs headed to the open market, perhaps looking at a complete position overhaul. However, with Leonard Fournette returning and now Bernard back under contract, Tampa is re-upping for another run. The Buccaneers took running back Rachaad White with the 91st pick overall, but Ronald Jones has moved on to Kansas City as a free agent and Keyshawn Vaughn, despite all the positive reviews he got from recently-retired head coach Bruce Arians, has never gained traction in Tampa. Expect Bernard's role to be sufficient for him to serve as a bye-week filler for fantasy managers.
Giovani Bernard 2021 Outlook
The Buccaneers signed Bernard to a one-year deal, adding a solid pair of hands in a running back room that already has Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette, along with second-year back Ke'Shawn Vaughn. ... Bernard weighed multiple offers upon his release by the Bengals, but after he was personally contacted by both coach Bruce Arians and QB Tom Brady, Bernard opted to sign with Tampa Bay, where he could be a viable contributor in the short passing game. Both Jones and Fournette had five drops in the 2020 regular season -- tied for second-most among running backs in the league. Since his rookie season in 2013, Bernard is third among NFL running backs in receptions (342), targets (445) and receiving yards (2,867). Brady targeted running backs on 121 pass attempts during the 2020 regular season -- seventh most in the NFL. But his completion percentage when targeting that position was 69.4 percent -- 26th in the league. Bernard's change of direction, cutting prowess and ability to dodge tacklers gives the Bucs something different, as Jones and Fournette are more north and south runners. While he's unlikely to be draft-worthy in all but the deepest leagues, Bernard should be on your waiver-wire watch list if his role in Tampa pans out.
