The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to add cheap depth, as they've just signed running back Brian Leonard to a one-year deal according to his agent Mike McCartney. Leonard was a second-round pick for the St. Louis Rams in 2007 after a very good college career at Rutgers under Greg Schiano. He hasn't been able to produce much in the NFL, though, amassing a measly 646 yards in six seasons with the Rams and later the Cincinnati Bengals. He has been more productive as a third-down back, picking up 814 receiving yards in his career on 113 receptions.
Leonard played 20% of the offensive snaps in Cincinnati last season, primarily as a third-down back, but his real value came on special teams. He was in on a whopping 45% of all special teams snaps and that could get him a roster spot with the Bucs as well.
And with that, the Bucs have added yet another Rutgers player to the roster. He should mostly be here as depth and competition at the running back position, competing with D.J. Ware and Michael Smith for third-down and backup running back roles. He should come cheap and is yet another bit of quality depth -- a quiet focus for the Bucs this offseason, as they've added numerous cheap but solid journeymen to improve the competition across the board.