Trade Rumors Swirl Around Buccaneers Running Back

The 2025 NFL Draft is here, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to bolster their roster with fresh collegiate talent, building on recent success and a solid free agency haul.

The Buccaneers, under GM Jason Licht, have a recent track record of landing quality talent in the draft, and they’ll be counting on their 2025 class to fill key roles.

Draft speculation is always buzzing, but this year’s been unusually quiet, with no first-round trades so far. That could all change today or as the draft gets underway Thursday night.

Enter Pro Football Focus…

Via PFF,

“The Buccaneers seem to retain their developed players at a higher rate than most teams, but general manager Jason Licht isn’t afraid to swing a trade every now and then. White feels like a player who meets those criteria.

Entering the 2024 season as the team’s primary running back, White posted a solid 73.7 PFF rushing grade, operating as the team’s pass-blocking back (69.2 PFF pass-blocking grade, sixth best among qualifiers). Yet, he was quickly overtaken by then-rookie Bucky Irving, whose 90.0 PFF rushing grade slotted seventh among rushers with 100 or more carries. As White heads into a contract season, Tampa Bay could find a replacement in the draft’s later rounds.”

The Buccaneers aren’t typically big draft-night traders, but recent reports suggest running back Rachaad White could be a potential trade piece, according to Adam Schefter.

Rachaad White has been key for the Buccaneers since being drafted in the third round in 2022, but with his rookie deal expiring after this season, he’s set to hit free agency in 2026.

Rachaad White’s Career Stats

The BR Rub

We’re on the fence here. On one hand Rachaad White’s contract is coming up, and you don’t want to let him leave via free agency without getting something. On the other hand, White is a great running back. Arguably one of the better backs receiving out of the backfield. And his pass protection is light-years better than Bucky Irving’s.

I guess it boils down to what compensation the Bucs would get in a trade. Not to mention having full faith in Irving recreating his success as a rookie. The more I think about it, the less I’d be inclined to trade White. But, yes another but, everything has a price.