Tom Brady Blocked Patriots From Getting Bruising Free Agent RB

The New England Patriots tried their chances with a few star players. Head coach Bill Belichick is trying to add the final pieces to his roster. He traded for DeVante Parker and got some solid pieces in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Patriots worked out a few veterans, including free agent running back Leonard Fournette. Well, Tom Brady blocked the Patriots from getting the RB.

Brady announced his retirement early in the offseason. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t really think that he’d come back following his two-year deal with the team. That’s exactly what happened and Brady said he was retiring. It wasn’t long before he made another announcement. The former Patriots quarterback said his place is not in the stands and told the Buccaneers that he is coming back for another season.

Joining the Buccaneers meaning getting ready for another Super Bowl win. Brady wanted to play with the same squad and secure his spot in the big game. Fournette was part of this squad and Brady didn’t want him to join the Patriots.

Leonard Fournette was visiting the Patriots as a free agent this off-season when Tom Brady called him and said, “Man, what’s your ass doing up there?”

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) June 7, 2022

Tom Brady blocked the Patriots for a reason

Fournette met with the Patriots in March, but found his way back to Tampa Bay. He would have been an excellent addition for the Patriots running back unit. Fournette is 27 and has 3,800 yards and 31 touchdowns in his portfolio. In 2021, he had 812 yards and eight touchdowns. Belichick could really use an experienced player. Yes, Fournette won’t play the game forever but he has a lot to offer at this point. Brady did his best to keep the running back in Tampa Bay.

Damien Harris and James White lead the group of running backs and Fournette’s addition would make them unstoppable. It didn’t happen and Fournette is entering the 2022 season with the Buccaneers.

Can the Patriots afford him? They don’t have too much money to afford someone like Fournette. He has a two-year deal worth $21 million and an option entering the 2024 season. It would have been a tough deal and Belichick switched his focus once again.

Brady won’t play against the Patriots in 2022. He beat the team in Week 4 of the 2021 season.