Rookie sensation Bucky Irving has proven to be a game-changing discovery for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making an explosive impact on the league in his inaugural season.
Initially, Bucky Irving began the season in a shared backfield role alongside Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, with offensive coordinator Liam Coen utilizing a tandem approach. However, as the season progressed, Irving’s impressive growth and development became increasingly evident, ultimately solidifying his position as the undisputed No. 1 running back.
As the Buccaneers head into the offseason, Bucky Irving is poised to assume a leading role in the backfield under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Meanwhile, Rachaad White, entering the final year of his rookie contract, faces an uncertain future, potentially leaving him to compete for a diminished role or consider his options beyond Tampa Bay.
ESPN suggests he may be a cut candidate,
“The Buccaneers enter free agency with only $2.2 million in cap space. They need to make some room and one way to do it is to say goodbye to White. The running back is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so the Buccaneers can cut him for $3.3 million in cap savings with less than $250,000 in dead money.”
By parting ways with White, the Buccaneers would not only create cap space but also potentially pave the way for Sean Tucker to assume the backup role behind Bucky Irving. Tucker showed flashes of productivity in limited action last season, and this move could provide him with the opportunity to take his game to the next level.
Bucky Irving’s impressive 2024 campaign, which included 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns playing alongside Baker Mayfield, has earned him a clear path to the starting role. With an expanded offensive role potentially on the horizon, Irving is poised to become the unquestioned lead back.
The Buccaneers’ willingness to consider moving on from White is a testament to Irving’s remarkable production and growth. As the team looks to the future, it’s clear that Irving has established himself as the top dog in the backfield, leaving White as the odd man out.
The BR Rub
Ok, why would the Bucs just outright cut Rachaad White? This makes zero sense, unless you’re ESPN where they have obviously fired anyone with any actual knowledge of how team’s in the NFL do business.
This isn’t surprising, I mean having to pay the human belt buckle that is Pat McAfee all that money just to ask dumb questions and make a dumber face ain’t cheap. But back to Rachaad White. Yes, he lost the starting job to Bucky Irving.
But why would you let a guy who is capable of 1,500 yards from scrimmage just walk? This is absurd analysis from arguably the laziest writing staff in sports. At the very least you package White with some picks to move up in the draft. This isn’t rocket science.
But the reality is, the Buccaneers front office has so many other options to create cap space. Options that they’ve already done, over and over again. So why would you just give away a young running back for nothing when you have so many other options? The answer is, you wouldn’t. Thankfully ESPN is only in control of their BS content and not an actual team.
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