One ESPN Insider believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could release running back Rachaad White this offseason. According to the source, Aaron Schultz of ESPN thinks the Buccaneers may make the offseason interesting and release White as the team enters with only 2.2 million in cap space. The team’s running back unit is deep and since Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker have been getting more looks, it’s easier for Tampa Bay to move on. While White deals with an extortion attempt, the Buccaneers could name Irving and Tucker as their two starting backfield pieces for the immediate future.
Despite that, the rushing attack dramatically improved under Liam Coen as the offensive coordinator but since he’s not there, things could change very quickly. In 2023, the former Arizona State product had one of the best seasons as the lead back, recording 1,539 total yards and nine scores over 336 roral touches. However, since his role has been reduced, it might have teased the Buccaneers could be heading in a different direction and Coen joining another NFL team probably puts the icing on the cake for White. The Buccaneers will only save about $3.3 million if they release but they could about every dollar in an attempt to bring back wideout Chris Godwin.
White is still gradually improving and could be a No. 1 running back one day even if it’s not with the Buccaneers. However, Bucky Irving will likely emerge as the starter which could make White expendable.
ESPN: Buccaneers Could Release Former Third Rounder Rachaad White
Possible Next 5 Teams
Baltimore Ravens
The team lost their backup Keaton Mitchell for the majority of the 2024 campaign. The Ravens relied on Justice Hill and the team gave him a new extension last year serving as the backup for star running back Derrick Henry. Baltimore did fine without Mitchell but he didn’t make much of an impact during his return. While Hill is a dependable back, they could use someone like White if he becomes available as the 1-2 punch behind Henry.
Dallas Cowboys
The main priority other than finding another capable wideout for Dak Prescott would be a running back. There’s no word if Rico Dowdle will return but after bringing back Ezekiel Elliott, the plans didn’t work out as he wasn’t the same player. While they will draft a new running back, they should sign White to give them depth.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the future for Jamaal Williams looks bleak after underperforming with the team in 2024. Alvin Kamara is still as fast as ever after his contract extension but they need more of a reliable backup. Kendre Miller will likely get cut so this means they could sign someone like White to create some competition in the backfield.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers will likely bring back J.K. Dobbins on a new deal but backup Gus Edwards’ future does not look promising. He looked more like a journeyman like he did with serving under Dobbins in Baltimore in 2023. Los Angeles should release Edwards and get a more explosive piece in White to be a dependable force in red zone opportunities.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City could lose Kareem Hunt after raising his stock last year in time for a competitive free agency. The team doesn’t have the financial freedom to burn money to give him an extension. With that, they could sign White to a one-year deal to backup Isiah Pacheco. They can’t afford to lose him again in the season but White could easily keep the run game competitive if he goes down again.
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