No Need To Trade Rachaad White
March 21st, 2025
Still valuable.
There are three ways to build a roster.
One is signing free agents. Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has done that this offseason.
Next is the draft. Licht will take care of that next month.
A third way is trades, sometimes dealing a player for only a draft pick. Will Licht do that? It could happen between now and November.
Over at the PFF tribe, Bradley Locker is looking at tradable players. While scanning the Bucs roster, he sees Rachaad White as trade bait for the Bucs to add to a position of need.
The Buccaneers seem to retain their developed players at a higher rate than most teams, but general manager Jason Licht isn’t afraid to swing a trade every now and then. White feels like a player who meets those criteria … quickly overtaken by then-rookie Bucky Irving. As White heads into a contract season, Tampa Bay could find a replacement in the draft’s later rounds.
Or, White’s replacement might already be on the roster, Sean Tucker.
Joe gets what Locker is suggesting here but Joe would not trade White unless some silly team (Jags?) makes Licht an offer he can’t refuse.
White is still a ridiculous weapon in the passing game. He improved as a runner last year. Maybe that was because of Liam Coen?
Even though White improved as a runner, he’s just OK as a runner. Nothing more. As a receiving back, he’s dangerous.
Nah. Keep White. He still has value besides his blocking. Stay focused on drafting another corner or linebacker.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:08 am
Not a massive White fan, but he is a reliable blocker & 3rd down back that provides a comfort level for a 1st time OC. Only making $3.6M & there’s not much left on the FA market at this point, so can see him playing out the last year of his deal and moving on. Would expect another late round or UDFA RB to be added though to groom for ’26.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:23 am
17 game season.
4 more for a Super Bowl.
We need depth!
March 21st, 2025 at 5:06 am
People keep bringing this idea up. The only way it’s not dumb is if they draft a RB who can compete with Sean Tucker for #2. We need to be 3 deep. Bucky isn’t built to be a bellcow.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:18 am
The guy is just blathering for something to write. A lot of these guys aren’t even familiar with the BUCS. What could we even get for White with only one year left on his contract? He’s playing here this year.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:29 am
CJ Harvey, running back from UCF. This kid was all UCF had last year, and no one could stop him. He’s not getting any buzz from the media, but I’d put him up there with any back in the draft. Get him in the later rounds, trade White, and you’re getting a better player cheap.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:30 am
These draft decisions can either make or break your team. I’m sure the organization feels like it is one of the most important things they do as a group. Licht is in the position of getting the kudos when we get a JMac or Bucky, or the blame when we get a “bust”. I love White as a receiver and he always has good total production and is durable. Here’s how we could afford to deal him. Draft that Cam Skataboo from Az. State to replace him. He will be gone if we don’t get him with our first pick. He’s a playmaker running and catching the ball and is the type player who can get hot and carry a team to an extra win or two a year. Then draft defense the next 4 rounds. Nah, the team needs defensive playmakers. But there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:27 am
Or the other kid from ucf…Peny…6 foot 225 lbs…played at Toledo in 2023
March 21st, 2025 at 6:36 am
Copied from NBC sports:
Peny Boone
The 6-foot, 225-pound Boone made a name for himself at Toledo in 2023, rushing 193 times for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns and catching 15-of-18 targets for 216 yards and one touchdown. He forced 52 missed tackles total that year. He then spent the 2024 season at UCF, rushing 34 times for 208 yards and two touchdowns and catching 1-of-2 targets for nine yards. Boone could sneak his way onto a roster via a Day 3 pick or as an undrafted free agent. Both the Buccaneers and Lions would be solid landing spots, given their potent, high-volume rushing attacks.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:53 am
Trade him and take Scattabo in the 4th round!
March 21st, 2025 at 6:55 am
Agree!
Let’s Buck, Tuck, White and Bake!!!
March 21st, 2025 at 7:27 am
Too bad he’s the only back we have that can pass protect
March 21st, 2025 at 7:32 am
I don’t understand this obsession with jettisoning White. Is he a great RB? No. But he’s a damn good football player who excels at getting open on short to intermediate routes. He reminds me a lot of a (much) bigger Darren Sproles in that way. It’s always good to have that target out of the backfield. Why get rid of him?
March 21st, 2025 at 7:40 am
Would be nice to see a power back in the backfield. Someone that can get that tough 3rd and short.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:46 am
one two punch White and Irving upcut Tucker keep them fresh design plays that allow rotation and keep the opposing team guessing with two out of the three in the backfield could be a nightmare for the defenses. New OC also has them guessing no tape yet on Grizz running the show. I’m excited to see what this year can bring GO BUCS!
March 21st, 2025 at 8:14 am
White is also cheap. Next year’s another story.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:16 am
Rachaad White is the “bird in the hand” He runs good, pass protects good and receives fantastic….
He also stays healthy.
We don’t have tradeable players……
March 21st, 2025 at 8:19 am
Trade Dean if that’s possible!
March 21st, 2025 at 8:52 am
Sean Tucker reminds me of Earnest Graham.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:54 am
I wouldn’t f with what was a top 5 rushing attack. White is a weapon and got a lot better between the tackles last year
March 21st, 2025 at 9:00 am
White is a great complement to Tucker. He’s good at pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield. He’s very average as a pure runner but has really improved as a short yardage back.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:03 am
Bucky and sean tucker CANNOT pass block, if we do trade rachaad then he will be missed greatly when everyone sees the two smaller guys pass block and whiff
March 21st, 2025 at 9:04 am
I’m interested in what we can get in return.
If we can get lets say tyreek hill for him with a draft pick then sign me up.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:37 am
We need to have 2 good RBs heading into the playoffs. If we trade White and one of the remaining two gets injured that leaves us with one. The chances of one of our three backs getting injured during the season are very high.
We need quality depth at as many positions as possible if we’re going to be a contender. The lack of depth is what will kill our chances more than anything else.
As a GM, I would only consider trading White if we could get a starting-caliber CB or ILB in return. And then I’d draft another RB, on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.
March 21st, 2025 at 9:53 am
Trading White is not very smart and drafting anything other than defense in the first 4 rounds is stupidity. The defense needs players who can get people on the ground.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:01 am
White didn’t “get better running between the tackles” – the OLine got better between the tackles. Significantly better…. as did the OLine coaching and run scheming.
Bucky is the man now – there’s no question
But Rachaad White is a solid runner – an excellent pass protector – and one of the NFLs best and most “dangerous” receiving backs. No reason whatsoever to trade him. Let him play out his rookie contract and go from there.
We’re trying to win a Super Bowl here – there’s no reason to get rid of ‘good’ players for a measly 5th rd pick or whatever….
March 21st, 2025 at 10:13 am
He adds depth to the RB and WR rooms, can both spots Ala Deebo Samuel and Cordall Patterson
March 21st, 2025 at 10:14 am
Running backs get hurt all the time. You can’t have too many good ones.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:21 am
I disagree.. White became a better runner last year … Less dancing and more just hitting the hole.. I was impressed
March 21st, 2025 at 10:29 am
Pickgrin, White is solid. BucsFanSince 1996- yes we need depth. And I love Sean Tucker. Why Skattebo? The best contact balance I’ve seen in a RB in years. First team AP AllAmerica- Fifth in Heismann and should have been third. Extreme physicality. Second best vertical jump at the combine. Plays like a linebacker, old school football player. Very natural receiver. I love having 3 strong running backs and Skattebo would run circles around White. I believe, despite projections, that he’s going to move up in the draft to early second round. And that he’s going to make some GM look brilliant. May be the best overall football player in this draft. I know we have more pressing needs but this guy will make whoever drafts him a better team. Look at some film before you judge this kid.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:46 am
Trading him would create a position of need for depth, and that would be a bad idea. We need our picks for defense.
March 21st, 2025 at 10:59 am
I don’t get it, either –
Folks want to launch White for what would be likely a 4-6th round pick, then use a pick to draft his replacement – an unproven one, at that.
Make it make sense.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:02 am
Why not just put him in the slot? Dude is one of the slowest backs I’ve ever seen at hitting a hole. Him being in a contract year is probably the only chance we have at him doing decent. We need a proper back to pair with Bucky. And our coaches clearly don’t rate Tucker. I personally really like the guy and wish he got more chances
March 21st, 2025 at 11:03 am
I love White and think his is very much underrated. I do think if the right offer presented itself though the bucs would have to think about it. White is in the last year of his rookie deal and not sure how that works out next off season. Was merely pointing out a guy like Peny Boone from UCF could be brought in for a late round pick or even after the draft. Haven’t heard much about his pass blocking but at 6′ 225 lbs he has the size for it.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:05 am
Have not watched Cam Skattebo once — I am not personally disputing Kenton Smiths assessment of him — because I have no personal basis.
I went to Draft Buzz and they give you not only their overall ranking of a player but they always list other services.
Below is every service that Draft Buzz listed as comparison for his overall ranking:
PFF 52
ESPN 56
Count Down 71
247 Sports 74
MD DB 74
McShay 88
CBS 91
Walter 96
Draft Buzz 100
NFL.com 124
I guess after only running two drills at the Combine, the world expected him to do more at his pro day. He just changed his mind about the pro day and is not attending.
Maybe he will do a private workout — does someone in his position get a private workout where all 30 coaches come out to see him — my guess is no.
It seems like you are in tune with him — Kenton Smith — so I should just go with your position that he is an early 2nd rounder — but a part of me says that he will drop more likely to outside the top 2 rounds if somehow he does not get a workout for lots of teams.
Lastly, him taking hits like an old school linebacker. Not sure that is a good thing.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:15 am
My favorite draft guru is Dane Brugler. Not because he is necessarily more correct than others. He just tends to write the most detail.
I went to my Athletic Subscription and right now Cam Skattebo is not in his top 100 from an article on February 11th.
This is what Nick Baumgardner of the Athletic said about Skattebo:
With his low pad level, contact balance and finishing toughness, Skattebo is a chore to tackle, and his determination can wear down defenses. His run style won’t be a fit for every scheme or role, but he can be a valuable part of an NFL backfield committee, especially given his versatility as a pass catcher.
and
He’s such an interesting athlete, and I really can’t wait to see how he tests because it could be a unique experience. Skattebo’s best physical trait is the power he generates from all the twitch and explosion built into his lower half. He’s going to have pretty wild jump numbers but possibly a rather pedestrian 40 time. He almost reminds me of a smaller LeGarrette Blount — Blount was much bigger (240 pounds to Skattebo’s 215), but the two backs share the combination of burst and below-average speed.
and
He can’t control his size, speed or the fact his role is going to be limited wherever he winds up. He can control the consistency of his hands, which will be important, and his effort, which is off the charts.
and
He’s not fast enough to be a featured back in the NFL and, frankly, he’s not big enough to play the way he does and handle a huge workload at the next level. However, effort and toughness translate to special teams and being dependable when his number’s called.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:31 am
I am all for trading rachadd and I’m a big fan of his because of his receiving threat. BUT I am a bigger fan of what Sean Tucker can bring to the table. 150+ rushing and receiving game 4.3 speed an all around back capable of huge games
March 21st, 2025 at 11:32 am
Lions were faced with the same dilemma when they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs! They traded a starting RB to Philly now they have top #2 most dangerous run game in the league. I like somethings about Rachaad but I think if the Bucs got their hands on a RB like Kaleb Johnson from Iowa the team would be more potent in the red zone increasing the % of TDs, more physical running team needed when playing the top teams in the league. Trading Rachaad not that bad a idea🚩🏈
March 21st, 2025 at 11:40 am
Unless there’s a stupid offer, they aren’t trading White.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:45 am
They’d get a 6-7th round pick for him. He’s better as a 2nd or 3rd string option for another year.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:47 am
HAVE YOU SEEN ATLANTA’S DRAFT PICKS?
They only have 5 picks!!!! That team is a mess.
Round 1
Round 2
Round 4
Round 7
Round 7
March 21st, 2025 at 11:55 am
RBs generally have low trade value, Bucs wouldn’t get anything for White. As he’s reasonably productive, especially in the passing game, and still on a rookie contract, it makes total sense to keep him as a backup for another year. If Bucky Irving has to miss some playing time, Bucs will consider themselves fortunate to have White available.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:58 am
keep white…
bucky is one injury away from white once again being basically your every down back…
you just never know which group gets hit by the injury bug this year…it happens to a position or room every damn season
March 21st, 2025 at 12:03 pm
bucky had like 1,500…
white had like 1,000 last year…
i’m fine with that happening again…
but with the way things have changed, it could be something like
bucky 1,700-1,800 and rachaad like 700-800…
but those are just guesstimates…
and those 700-800 yards are also very vital to the team’s success…
then you add in the sleeper………….tucker…who can ball too
March 21st, 2025 at 12:37 pm
@Adam From NY
Tony Romo & Troy Aikman are one hair comb away from another concussion, too!
March 21st, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Yes keep White, no don’t draft one either, you want a tackle or or a reciever, ok. Need definitely four pics on defense. CB, LB, are something I could call two and two unless a miracle gets cut. And how good is Walker and how is the outlook for him being starter material?? Anyone ? Let’s Go Bucs!!!!
March 21st, 2025 at 1:32 pm
I can’t wait until Sean Tucker gets off his rookie deal and goes to be the next Saquon. We are literally sitting on gold here and we just choose to bring Rachaad White out over and over again.
March 21st, 2025 at 1:44 pm
Agreed Trey !
March 21st, 2025 at 2:03 pm
El Serpiente botched his use of White. White should have been in more passing sets. And fergodsakes if you’re running a jet sweep deep in your own territory in a playoff game as the clock is winding down, at least use someone accustomed to handoffs instead of a deer in the headlights rookie.
March 21st, 2025 at 2:14 pm
geno711, he may not go til the 3rd round, you’re right. And alot of question marks not running at the combine. He probably can’t break a 4.6 40. And we need defense this draft. And I’m sure we won’t draft him in the first or even the second round. He didn’t even get a star rating coming out of high school. And he’s a tad immature. There’s just something about him that I think if he was teamed with Bucky and Sean Tucker they could become the best back trio I’ve ever seen. An injury or 2 and still elite RB play. And I agree with Trey about Tucker. I don’t think anyone around here has a clue about how good he is. But White is a solid team guy and real good receiver. I’d throw a few bucks down on Skattebo being next years NFL rookie of the year. But if I was Jason Licht I guess I wouldn’t bet on it.
March 21st, 2025 at 2:34 pm
he scores a lot of touchdowns and generated a ton of production in the passing game
he also plays really hard and seems like a good team guy
at that price, there aren’t a lot of guys like that
March 21st, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Draft day player trades used to be common
March 21st, 2025 at 3:03 pm
Buccup Says:
March 21st, 2025 at 8:52 am
The only similarity is that both run hard. Earnest Graham had marginal skills for the position, whereas Tucker is legit fast and can bust the long runs.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:07 pm
geno711. I like Brugler too but he’s missing just a little bit on Skattebo. The reason this kid was the Player of the Year in the Big 12 conference this year is because he was the best player in the Big 12 conference this year. He’s gonna be a better player than Brugler is predicting.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:11 pm
And if Brugler doesn’t think the best player in the Big 12 will go in the top 100 picks then there are 99 studs out there.
March 21st, 2025 at 4:40 pm
I usually don’t waffle. I wanted nothing but defense this draft. But if this Skattebo is still there when we pick in the third, well that would be malpractice. Arizona State was picked last in the conference but won the conference. He was the MVP of the conference championship game. They lost in double overtime to Texas and yet Skattebo was voted MVP of that game also. First time in playoff history in college losing team player was MVP. Every player on that team played harder because of him. Measurables are but one way to judge prospects. Have to rip back the sternum to measure his greatest asset. Okay, that’s enough of my rave.
March 21st, 2025 at 5:09 pm
They’ve still got DJ Williams there that they could use, too!
March 21st, 2025 at 6:47 pm
Part of the Bucs appeal to free agents may be that they seem to help their players reach milestones when they are in reach. White is the exception as he ended up with 990 rushing yards in 2023.
Bucky got his thousand yard season last year with 122 to spare, so, hurray.
But, I would like to see Tucker have many more opportunities this year. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per target.
Last year, Coen tended to stick with Bucky after he got a big run until he got stopped for a loss or a short gain. There is wisdom in going early in the play clock and pounding the rock when the defense looks gassed. But, sometimes Bucky got stopped when it looked like he could have used a breather. Mixing it up more with Tucker looked like it would have kept the defense gassed.
And, as long as the exchange is smooth, White in motion from the wide receiver position was a potent weapon last season.
I would like to see a half dozen to a dozen plays a game with two RBs on the field with one in motion at the snap and a mix of all three RBs.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:29 pm
What would you pay for him though?
Aaron Jones at 30 just got 10mil/year after putting up similar atats to White in ’23. Next year he’ll be 27 and could have a nice market. Would you pay him 8-10 million a season? If not, would you tade him now for a 4th round pick? If you wouldn’t trade a 4th for a 1 year rental of White, why would you keep him at the same cost? I like White but Tucker has a higher ceiling and its a great draft for backs. We could nab his replacement late in the draft, use an extra pick elsewhere, and avoid overpaying a complementary back/losing him for nothing.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:09 pm
I’m a white fan. Love what he does in the passing game. He so smooth and elusive when catching. Running did improve but man I really like Bucky but if we run him like we did last year idk how he will hold up. RBs take a beating Bucky makes people miss but he also bounces off them like a pin ball. No matter what we need all 3 backs.
March 22nd, 2025 at 2:12 am
When’s the last time a backup RB was traded? C’mon man
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:44 am
White can play as a RB in 4 WR sets and mess with defenses on obvious passing downs.
But could he become a RB/WR hybrid and play wide receiver in the event of a wide receiver injury?
Redskins Charley Taylor and Bobby Mitchell are 2 HOF WRs that started off as running backs.
What say you, Joe?
March 22nd, 2025 at 6:22 am
I should be clear I like white but…
Hes in his final.year..plenty of great young legs in the draft that could pound the rock as relief for bucky.
I still think tyreek Hill is the move..
I know people doubt it but he’s a weapon that could open up our whole offense if the dolphin trade us him or release him he should be our top target to add to offense..then use a draft pick to get a rb we love..use the rest of pucks on MLB dt cb and wte depth we need to fight fir a job…I like to find a talented te that can pop out after setting tough blocks
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Amazing how seemingly no one pays attention to these type of details, so I’ll repeat myself once again:
The last 4 games of the season we virtually stopped using R White on offense. What were the results?
– Offense struggled badly in 3 of 4 games.
– We lost 2 of those 4 games.
– Pass protection was worse overall.
March 23rd, 2025 at 11:56 am
Bucky taught White how to run to open space instead of just lowering his head and running into the linemen in front of him. He did become a better runner and is necessary because he’s the best blocker of the three. Tucker never took over like I thought he would after that great performance against the Stanks