Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Outlook: Running Back Position
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shift their focus to the offseason, there are question marks at every position on the roster. In this series, we’ll look at each position grouping and see what the Bucs have on the roster who is an impending free agent, and the outlook for the 2024 season.
On The Roster
Rachaad White
The Bucs 2022 third-round pick was given the reigns as the lead back this season and proved he was up to the task. After a slow start, the running game got going behind White who ran for 990 yards and six touchdowns. He was a threat in the passing game as well racking up 64 receptions, 543 yards, and three scores.
Sean Tucker
As an undrafted free agent, Tucker won the backup job out of training camp over veterans Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Chase Edmonds. However, he wouldn't keep it for long and was out of the lineup after Week 3. It was essentially a red-shirt year for Tucker, but the Bucs are high on his potential.
Patrick Laird
Laird has been on the Bucs practice squad the past two seasons and signed a futures deal at the end of the season. He was rewarded with two elevations from the practice squad in the playoffs for his contributions to the scout team. The elevation came with a playoff check,
Impending Free Agents
Chase Edmonds
Edmonds was a jolt of energy when he touched the field for the Buccaneers. He missed four games due to injury and posted 176 yards rushing and 81 yards receiving. The veteran running back sought out the Bucs last season wanting to join the team. It's possible the Bucs could bring him back in 2024 but they could elect to go younger at the position through the draft. If Edmonds is brought back it would likely be a veteran minimum deal.
2024 Outlook
White will return as the lead back next season but there will be changes behind him. Tucker could step into a backup role but the Bucs will likely bring in competition. Edmonds might be back, but the team will add to the room either through the draft or free agency. What the offense lacked last year was a bigger back who could pick up the tough yardage to pair with White. That should be something the Bucs target in the offseason.
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.
