The Bucs just wrapped up the regular season, and Rachaad White is already going crazy on social media, against the coaching staff. The four-year running back just wrapped up his rookie contract and has wanted no part of a return for a long time.
From training camp until right after the season, social media has not been kind to White, and neither was the 2025 season. It's obvious White is ready to move on from Tampa Bay, but Bucs' fans wouldn't want him to return anyway.
He was a full-time starter during his sophomore campaign before Bucky Irving was drafted and rightfully claimed the No. 1 role. White has missed just one game over his four-year career, and is a fantastic receiving back, but those are his best two qualities.
Sean Tucker is a much better candidate for return than Rachaad White
White just turned 27, which is old for a running back entering his second contract. His putrid 3.6 yards per carry through his first two seasons improved to 4.3 back-to-back seasons in 2024-2025, but that's his cap.
He ranked 55th in YPC this season and 79th in first-down rate. He's an average at best ball carrier, with receiving upside. Once Irving returned from injury this season, White was relegated to the third-string duties behind UDFA Sean Tucker.
Tucker outperformed White drastically during a four-game stretch in Irving's absence. Through 52 carries, Tucker averages 61 yards per game, scored three rushing touchdowns, and one more through the air.
Through that month, Tucker was the 1B to White being the 1A. Afterward, Tucker was relegated to a backup role again, and never saw much traction.
Unfortunately, Tucker is also a free agent entering 2026, so a move must be made. Whether it's the draft or resigning one of these two into a backup role, the Bucs must stay far away from White.
This should be easy, given that White wants no part of Tampa Bay, but his late season surge could prompt the Bucs to entertain initiate a conversation. Through the final eight games of the season, White averaged seven yards per carry.
This stat can be deceiving, because White only had 45 carries over that stretch, but it showcases his late-season improvement, especially with Irving back in action.
It's no doubt the Bucs will find a someone to fill the backup role in 2026, but let's hope it's Tucker instead of White. With all the drama surrounding White, the last thing the Bucs need is a drama queen back in Tampa Bay moving forward.