NFL Rumors: Bucs 'Coaches Were Not Happy' Leonard Fournette Weighed Nearly 260 Pounds

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette reportedly showed up to mandatory minicamp out of shape, weighing in at nearly 260 pounds.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times revealed Bucs coaches were not happy with Fournette's conditioning.

“Coaches were not happy, and that’s an understatement, when [Fournette] didn’t participate in the OTAs, but then he shows up at the mandatory minicamp weighing damn near 260 [pounds],” Stroud said on the Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast. “And that’s not a good sign for a guy that you’ve just spent a three-year contract on.”

Fournette was listed at 228 pounds last season, which would put him about 30 pounds over his playing weight heading into minicamp. While he still has enough time to cut weight and get in better conditioning ahead of training camp, it'd be nearly impossible for him to not be somewhat behind schedule once veterans report later this month.

Fournette rushed for 812 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 69 receptions for 454 yards and two scores last season. After playing consecutive seasons on low-cost one-year deals, the Buccaneers handed Fournette a three-year, $21 million contract. The deal gives Fourntte some level of long-term security, as it included $2 million guaranteed for his 2023 salary.

The Bucs drafted Arizona State running back Rachaad White in the third round of April's draft, but he's expected to play more of a third-down role next season. Fournette is the favorite to be the early-down bell cow, but it's possible White or Ke'Shawn Vaughn winds up creeping up the depth chart if Fournette struggles with his conditioning.