Bucs running back Rachaad White is preparing to have a big season in a contract year, but his days in Tampa Bay appear to be numbered.
With Bucky Irving taking over the starting reins from White last season and Sean Tucker remaining in the mix, all three backs will presumably be getting carries in what has quickly become a crowded room.
So crowded that White believes this season is his final ride in this backfield.
Rachaad White’s Latest Instagram Post Alludes To “One Last Ride”
Rachaad White is approaching this season with an attacking mindset. One where he is looking to make the most out of each carry and reception. Not just for the Bucs’ sake, but for his own as he looks to line up his first payday next offseason. White is surely looking to have a bigger role than he did last year, as his carries went down from 272 in 2023 to 144 in 2024.
According to White’s latest Instagram post, he is already preparing to hop on his saddle for “one last ride.”
Rachaad White signaling that this is his last season in Tampa?
Looks like it. pic.twitter.com/QUTDOpzwH4— Matthew Hewitt (@BucsTrackerNFL) May 22, 2025
This is not too far from the cryptic Instagram posts that former inside linebacker Devin White did going into his contract year as he angled for his own deal.
After seeing his usage go down, it’s understandable that he would look for a bigger opportunity at some point. In an age where the running back market is starting to be more favorable, it makes sense that he would sell himself. Signaling the end this early, however, could prove to be an unwelcome distraction.
White was already the subject of trade rumors this offseason, and while nothing came to fruition, it will be interesting to monitor this situation in the coming months as things ramp up. If he truly has his sights set on leaving Tampa Bay, general manager Jason Licht could look to move him at the trade deadline to recoup a higher draft pick than he might receive as a compensatory selection. This would be dependent on Sean Tucker factoring more into the equation, as White still offers plenty of value to the offense that would be hard to replace.
What Rachaad White Still Provides The Bucs’ Offense
While Rachaad White is looking into the future — one where he is not with the team beyond this season — it is important to keep in mind that he will play a vital role in offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard’s offense in 2025.
White remains one of the best third-down running backs in the business, as he was a productive 1B to Irving’s 1A last season. It might shift more Irving’s way, but the 2022 third-round pick is one of the best pass-blocking and pass-catching backs in the league. His shiftiness and elusiveness in space allowed him to finish with 1,006 scrimmage yards last season (613 rushing, 393 receiving). Despite getting less carries, he was more efficient with them while also recording 51 receptions.
It would be hard to part with that production, and maybe there is still a way to convince White to stay for the long haul. He did mention recently that he has a good friendship with Irving and has only spoken highly of his teammates throughout his time with the Bucs.
That time could be running out, though.
Would you like to see Rachaad White stick around beyond this season? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
