Buccaneers may have blown it as former RB breaks out at OTAs

The Tampa Bay  Buccaneers and Rachaad White parted ways this offseason.

It wasn’t as much of a team decision as it was White’s decision to move on — as he made it clear last offseason that he was unhappy with his role and eager for a new opportunity. 

But with recent Bucs injury news compared to White’s breakout performance for the Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay could regret letting him out the door. 

Rachaad White looks like a star at Commanders OTAs

White has already made a strong first impression with the Commanders, and it’s looking like he could get his wish for a more prominent role in the backfield. 

White was a solid player for the Bucs, especially in the passing game where he was an elite pass blocker and receiver — making him one of the best third down backs in the league.

The Bucs found a stud to replace that role in Kenny Gainwell, but it’s still not ideal to lose a player like White.   

Todd Bowles recently revealed that Bucky Irving will miss some time as he recovers from a shoulder surgery he had earlier this offseason. With Irving sidelined, the running back room is suddenly quite thin.

Irving missed most of last season due to injury, and the Bucs will need some durable option in the backfield if injuries become a trend. Running backs take more hits than anyone, and you can’t have enough insurance at the position. 

As White continues to put on a show for his new team, the Bucs might be watching from afar wishing they found a way to keep him as a steady rotational piece for their backfield. But with how openly disgruntled White was, that was likely never going to happen anyway.

Still, if White becomes one of the NFL’s most productive running backs in his larger role in Washington, Tampa Bay will be kicking themselves for not better utilizing his talent. 

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