Five Buccaneers the Team Needs to Leave Behind in 2016
RB, Bobby Rainey
Rainey has been with the Buccaneers for three of his five NFL seasons, and has most likely seen his last. The 28-year old running back saw his carries drop to five this year, after seeing back-to-back seasons near the 100 carry mark.
The drop in carries had less to do with Rainey’s decline than it did the rise of Doug Martin and a healthy Charles Sims. Both running backs proved very effective throughout the year, and as a result, Rainey was left to field kickoffs as the team’s primary returner throughout the season.
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As a returner, Rainey totaled 469 yards on 19 returns for an average of 24.7 yards per return; placing him 48th in the NFL. He also returned 28 punts for a total of 288 yards. His 9.9 yards average on punt returns was good enough to place him 24th in the league, but neither number can be considered acceptable as a long-term solution at the position, especially when there’s no other contribution to speak of from the player.
The Buccaneers should be looking to another player to return kicks in 2016, and should also look to add better depth at the running back position. With wide receiver Adam Humphries flashing some potential as a return man, it’s possible the Bucs already have their return solution, and will be on the market for a third running back to provide depth and a change of pace.
Next: Mike Jenkins