Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Don’t forget Peyton Barber

With all the excitement surrounding new Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones, fans shouldn’t forget about Peyton  Barber.

It’s easy to get so excited about something new that you tend to forget that you already have something valuable. In the case of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running backs, fans are so psyched to have a guy like Ronald Jones joining the team, it’s as if they’ve forgotten the work that fellow running backs Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers have done.

Teams are always looking for upgrades, no matter the position. Yes, there are a few exceptions. When you have a franchise quarterback, you don’t go out looking to draft one in the first round every year. If you have a stud receiver, you don’t go looking to sign the big name free agent when he becomes available. However, very few positions in sports are safe. That’s why when the Bucs upgraded from Doug Martin to Ronald Jones, fans jumped on the hype train immediately.

Peyton Barber played extremely well to close out last season and running backs coach Tim Spencer hasn’t forgotten about him. Jones isn’t going to come in and take 85% of the snaps. Barber and Quizz are still going to be involved in the game plan, as will Charles Sims as things stand now. Spencer was asked about Barber and had this to say;

"“I think he has a high ceiling. One of the things, this is his third year so he has a good feeling of what we’re trying to do offensively. Peyton can catch the ball and he can run routes even though he is a good-sized back. Height-wise he’s probably 5-10 but he’s like a 230. That’s a pretty good combination. I like the way he runs, I like his attitude, I like the way he’s learning and being able to pick up things. Obviously he’s in the mix, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”"

Having a reliable, steady stable of backs is only going to benefit the Buccaneers long term. Much like how Jason Licht has done with the defensive line. A solid rotation is only going to keep guys fresh, keep opponents on their toes, and maximize the talent on the roster.

Next: Carlton Davis Could Be A Savage In The Secondary

I fully expect Jones to be the primary back for the bulk of the season, but don’t forget that there are other players that can line up behind Jameis Winston and contribute to this team’s success.