Bucs Add Gio Bernard; Re-Sign Steve McLendon

After a lull following the initial first few weeks of free agency, the Buccaneers are back in the news as they have signed former Bengals running back, Giovani Bernard. In addition, they are bringing back defensive tackle Steve McLendon on a one-year deal according to the Tampa Bay Times, Rick Stroud.

So 22 starters return and now for some valuable depth. McLendon was huge after the Vea injury. https://t.co/4iKz8KdZ0g

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) April 14, 2021

The 34-year-old McLendon spent nine games with the Bucs last season after a trade with the Jets near the trade deadline sent him from New York to Tampa. In those nine regular-season games, McLendon recorded 17 total tackles with two going for a loss. In three postseason games, he added another five during the Bucs Super Bowl run. He becomes yet another free agent that has returned to the Buccaneers, an incredible feat for a team coming off a championship.

In addition to bringing back McLendon, the Bucs officially announced the signing of former Bengals running back Giovani Bernard. Bernard was draft by the Bengals in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Last season, in addition to having Ronald Jones and drafting Keshawn Vaughn, the Bucs added Leonard Fournette and LeSean McCoy during the season to bolster their backfield. Fournette has already re-signed but the Bucs were still looking for more depth at the position and, in particular, a back who could add to the already potent passing attack.

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Last season, on top of the 416 yards Bernard gain on the ground, he added 355 yards and three touchdowns on 47 receptions. In his career, he has 2,867 yards and 11 touchdowns on 342 receptions. Last season, the Bucs running backs struggled in the passing attack despite excelling in other areas. Bernard should help stabilize that part of the offense.

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