Rachaad White is coming off another strong season, but questions are starting to swirl about his long-term future in Tampa Bay. With rising competition in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ backfield and his rookie contract nearing its end, fans are beginning to wonder what’s next for the versatile running back.
On his personal YouTube channel, Rachaad White posted a vlog titled “Day In The Life of An NFL RUNNING BACK”.
It was a pretty mundane video, except for a line that stood out in ways that maybe White didn’t intend to.
During his joke training as a Dick’s Sporting Goods employee, White made an innocent remark that one that some could construe as a Freudian slip regarding how he feels about his role in Tampa Bay.
“Now I’m going to do some field work, you know what I’m saying, trying to keep my job,” White said.
Last season, White ceded the starting running back position to rookie Bucky Irving. White’s comment could be perceived to be in reference to Irving, who is poised to take on an even bigger role in year two. It could also partly reference Sean Tucker, who was impressive in his limited sample size and could compete to take more snaps from White this year.
Or perhaps we’re just looking too far into this, and it was just a general expression that means White is aware of the cutthroat nature of the business, and wants to keep working hard and constantly improving to protect his job as an NFL running back from the thousands of others who have the same dream.
And while Irving did lead the team in carries last year, White still had a productive season and contributed heavily to the offense. While his attempts and yardage were down from 2023, he actually set a new career-high in yards per carry and tied his career-high with nine total touchdowns.
He and Irving were one of just two running back duos in the entire league to each eclipse over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, joining Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions.
White really shined as both a receiver out of the backfield and a pass protector in 2024. His pass protection is among the best league-wide at the running back position, and is the one aspect of his game that simply can’t be replicated by anyone else in the Bucs’ running back room.
What is Rachaad White’s future with the Buccaneers?
White is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and this could very well be his final season in Tampa Bay.
There was already speculation surrounding his departure this offseason when Adam Schefter shared in his draft intel that the Buccaneers would listen to offers for White, and viewed him as "expendable."
The Bucs do value White as a player, but with Irving under contract as their lead back and other priority free agents to re-sign, they could opt to let White leave for a better contract and a bigger role in an offense.
While the Bucs have White splitting touches and using him primarily as a third-down style back in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield, White could rightfully want to look for an opportunity to be more of a feature back.
If the rival Carolina Panthers aren’t content with their running back depth after this season, head coach Dave Canales could look to acquire White’s services and pair him with Chuba Hubbard. White had the most productive season of his career in 2023 under Canales with over 1,500 total scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns, making the Panthers a natural fit.
But for now, it's time to put the speculation to rest. White is poised to suit up in red and pewter for the 2025 season, and with back-to-back seasons recording 1,000 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns, he remains a vital piece of Tampa Bay’s offensive puzzle regardless of his spot on the depth chart.
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