Giovani Bernard might be on the move.
Multiple teams have called to inquire about a possible trade for the Bengals’ veteran running back, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
At 29 years old, Bernard remains one of the league’s better receivers in the backfield. He caught 47 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. It was a productive campaign for the career reserve, who started a personal-high 10 games as a stand-in for the injured Joe Mixon.
His 124 rushing attempts were the most he’s logged since 2015. While Bernard averaged just 3.4 yards per carry, his receiving prowess is the primary sell here. He’s averaged 42.7 catches a season.
All eight of Bernard’s have come in Cincinnati, where he has one year remaining on his current deal. Pelissero added that barring a restructured contract, the Bengals lifer could soon be playing elsewhere for the first time in his career.
Here’s other news and free-agent buzz we’re monitoring around the NFL on Thursday:
- Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said defensive end Tyrone Crawford, who’s spent his entire nine-year career in Dallas, plans to retire. McCarthy also said he will have a discussion with linebacker Sean Lee about his status. Lee missed seven games last year after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia.
- Running back Tevin Coleman’s one-year deal with the New York Jets is for $1.1 million with $400,000 guaranteed, per Pelissero.
- The Minnesota Vikings’ one-year agreement with running back Ameer Abdullah is for $990,000, Pelissero reported.
- Running back James White is getting $2,462,500 fully guaranteed from his one-year contract with the New England Patriots, per Pelissero.
- The Arizona Cardinals signed cornerback Malcolm Butler to a one-year deal. The pact is worth up to $6 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.