Buccaneers Almost Made Fatal Mistake With Leonard Fournette

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette was the breakout performer from this year's NFL playoffs. He provided a dual-threat option out of the backfield for Tampa when they needed it most, playing a crucial on the team's run to Super Bowl LV and eventual victory.

However, Fournette's magical postseason might not have happened if the Bucs made a critical mistake after Week 14.

The running back didn't enjoy as much usage through most of the regular season after being picked up by the team, and his unhappiness with the role led to him earning an inactive status against the Minnesota Vikings despite being healthy. Then Fournette and head coach Bruce Arians sat down, and the RB's options were to embrace his opportunity or be cut.

The former No. 4 overall made the right decision by sticking through it. Starter Ronald Jones got hurt in that Vikings game, clearing the way for Fournette to end the regular season as the team's starting RB and eventually go off on in the playoffs.

It's an intriguing "What If?" regarding Fournette possibly being cut before totaling 448 yards from scrimmage and 4 total TDs in the postseason. After his performance, though, the former LSU RB has to be happy with his choice to stick around, as he'll have a list of suitors lining up this offseason.

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