New Buccaneers running back option unlikely to crack roster
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers aren’t stopping with their offseason signings on the offensive side of the ball just yet. They are also looking at a new veteran running back that has a long shot of actually making the roster.
Rookie minicamp is kicking off for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is the first chance that the recent draft picks get to start making an impression on the coaching staff, but this is also a chance for some veterans to prove themselves as viable options for this championship-ready roster.
There are a few older guys out there looking to use the next few days to show that they have the juice to be a contributor in some way shape or form during the regular season. This role seems like it would generally be special teams, but there are a few offensive and defensive prospects too.
That seems to be what former Dolphins running back Patrick Laird is looking to do in Tampa.
Another veteran coming in as a tryout player for Bucs rookie minicamp is former Cal and Dolphins running back Patrick Laird. Played last three seasons in Miami, 36 catches, rushed for 244 total yards. Bucs don't have too much RB depth on the 90, so a potential signing.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 11, 2022
Laird hasn’t been much of a special teamer over the past few years, but he does have something small to bring as a very deep depth option.
The most successful season for the former Dolphin back was in 2019. Laird was present on offense and special teams, and he actually showed a decent bit of skill in the passing game with 23 receptions on 30 targets with very limited overall reps.
No one would confuse him for Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara, but there is some talent there as a pass-catching back.
Unfortunately for Laird, his production dropped off substantially over the past few years, and the Buccaneers don’t even really have the space for him with four quality running back options and better fits for the practice squad.
Laird isn’t going to steal snaps from Rachaad White or Giovani Bernard and he probably wouldn’t be too keen on being a practice squad guy at this point, but who knows.
Regardless, of all the names to keep an eye on at rookie minicamp as guys that could contribute in 2022, Patrick Laird probably isn’t one of them.
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