Bucs Gameday

Running back with ties to Buccaneers OC Josh Grizzard reportedly being released by Dolphins

Could the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bring in a running back with ties to recently hired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard?
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) reacts as he enters the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) reacts as he enters the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In this story:


Tampa Bay's offense was one of the top units in the entire league this past season under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. However, Coen is now no longer a Buccaneer after jetting off to the East Coast to become the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach. The move opened up a coaching spot and the Bucs quickly filled Coen's role by promoting former pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard.

Grizzard will now get started on figuring out his offensive roster along with the front office and will have some decisions to make as free agency and the NFL draft approaches. The Buccaneers are pretty much set at many positions on offense, including running back, where the Bucs had a major turnaround this past season with the likes of Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker all contributing to one of the best rushing games in the NFL.

The Buccaneers carried four running backs throughout 2024 with Chase Edmonds not seeing any action as he was buried on the depth chart as the team's fourth running back after an injury. Edmonds is set to become a free agent this offseason and all signs point towards the Bucs letting him walk with the other three still under contract.

If that is the case, an intriguing option to fill that void left by Edmonds, or if something else happens to the Bucs' other three backs, would be another former Miami Dolphin, as it is reported that the Dolphins are moving on from speedy veteran running back Raheem Mostert.

READ MORE: Full 2025 first-round mock draft: Buccaneers take dominant EDGE in pre-NFL Combine mock

Mostert crossed paths with new Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, although Grizzard did not directly work with running backs. Mostert has been in the league for 10 seasons and flourished with the Dolphins as a change of pace back. However, this season, Mostert was buried behind up-and-comer De'Von Achane as the Dolphins utilized more of a workhorse package in the backfield — limiting his impact on games.

Mostert is likely on the last legs of his career and could be a great addition to the Bucs' running back room given the likelihood of Edmonds moving on and his ties with Grizzard. However, I don't believe this is an area of much concern for the Bucs as I could see them taking someone just for the practice squad while continuing to roll with Irving, White and Tucker.


READ MORE: Two ESPN analysts see Buccaneers taking step back in 2025

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• ESPN includes Buccaneers in teams that could target Myles Garrett

• Buccaneers target star Notre Dame CB in new 2025 team mock draft

• Ex-Buccaneers QB Tom Brady reveals one key way he'll improve in the booth

• Buccaneers remain committed to re-signing Chris Godwin despite injury setback


Published
Caleb Skinner
CALEB SKINNER

Caleb is from Nashville, TN and graduated from Florida State University in 2018 with majors in Sociology and History. He has previously written for an FSU outlet and started covering the Buccaneers in March of 2022. Caleb is an avid sports fan and former host of the Tribeoholics podcast. You can follow Caleb on Twitter @chsnole

Share on XFollow chsnole