Is Running Back An Overlooked Hole?
February 16th, 2026
Can he bounce back?
Defense, defense, defense. Damn, the Bucs have holes all over the defensive side of the ball.
Still, are other folks are like Joe thinking there’s probably too much faith in the current crop of Bucs running backs?
Last year Bucky Irving was not the Bucs’ best back, sadly. Yeah, he missed a bunch of games. But when he was on the field, he didn’t produce like he did the year before.
So Joe isn’t sure if the Bucs will get 2024 Bucky or 2025 Bucky next season.
Sean Tucker has limitations, specifically pass protection. While harping on this irks a lot of Bucs fans (Joe included), it’s hard to use a guy who defenses know cannot block. That often telegraphs to a defense that a run is coming, or it gets your quarterback hit.
This is why Joe is big on Tyler Allgeier as a free agent signing. It’s also why Joe would be very, very hard-pressed to pass on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he was sitting there at No. 15 when the Bucs are on the draft clock.
This Love is a Bijan Robinson clone. Imagine what Robinson would do for the Bucs’ offense? And, oh yeah, the very same guy who groomed Robinson with the Dixie Chicks is now running the Bucs’ offense. Well, now.
But yeah, with only Bucky and Tucker (who is a restricted free agent) with any meaningful experience, it wouldn’t shock Joe if one way or another Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht adds a running back this soon.
The free agency dinner bell rings on Monday, March 9.
February 16th, 2026 at 3:33 am
What was that UDFA RB from last year Licht was so pleased with that got suspended for PEDS? Oh yeah, Josh Williams. I wouldn’t say there is a hole at running back but there isn’t anyone we can hang our hopes on comfortably.
Irving, Tucker and Williams plus AJ Dillon via free agency is a RB room I’d be fine with for the coming season. Dillon has always been part of a committee so his mileage is relatively low and he should come at a reasonable price.
As for the draft, after Love, there is no one without pass pro issues and/or fumblitis so spend the late round picks on defense and QB Luke Altmeyer. Terion Stewart from Virgina Tech is a bowling ball with burst and vision but his weak pass pro and tendency to lose the ball trying to stay upright for an extra yard don’t merit spending a draft pick. He and/or another UDFA RB will suffice.
February 16th, 2026 at 3:53 am
Bucky may have just been a flash in the pan. He’s just not big enough to be a bell cow.
February 16th, 2026 at 4:11 am
It’s a hole for sure but a Free Agency hole we can fill, especially finding someone who isn’t liable in pass pro.
February 16th, 2026 at 5:30 am
bucs would be set get algere
February 16th, 2026 at 5:50 am
Did I read that Bucky had shoulder surgery a week or 2 ago?
February 16th, 2026 at 6:12 am
Sign me for Allgeier. He’s the kind of back the Bucs need in short yardage situations.
I hope I’m wrong but if you recall, Bucky was very mentally shaken up by his injury – he’d never been injured before. He might be gun shy now and worried about an injury every time he runs.
February 16th, 2026 at 6:53 am
If we take offense again in RD1 I think I’ll shoot myself.
February 16th, 2026 at 7:32 am
Never fear. TwoTodd will tell Jason what he wants and it will happen.
February 16th, 2026 at 7:35 am
Bucky is not an every down back. I’d use him in the passing game early, then let him get his carries when the defense is worn down. Running him early up the middle is not the way he should be used.
February 16th, 2026 at 7:45 am
Here is the deal: Want to know what an overlooked hole is? QUALITY BACKUPS. Injuries happen so the need is there. Having quality backups allows you to at least continue the season and try to continue and not collapse it. Tell me I am wrong?
February 16th, 2026 at 7:46 am
Algiers is perfect compliment to bucky. And agreed if we take offense round 1 somwthing is wrong with licht on all accounts. Unless we add 5 or 6 new starters to defense in free agency which we ahould be doing no matter what
February 16th, 2026 at 7:47 am
Has less to do with Buckys’ play/ability, and more about his usage.
Irving works fine as apart of an RB committee, but he’s not an RB that is going to max out 20-25 touches a game, without someone to rotate with
One of the first red flags about “fall guy” Josh Grizzard, was him trying to force that on Irving, with a healthy White & Tucker standing on the sideline.
That aside, obviously knowing Rachaad White was going to be a free agent and there was a possibility we should be looking for an RB in ’26. No, Josh Williams can be apart of that search, but he’s not all we’ll need.
February 16th, 2026 at 7:59 am
The Bucs definitely need to add another back. Would I be out of line to suggest possibly two running backs. Hear me out, after last year Bucky was a mental train wreck his mind absolutely killed his season. So if Licht drafts a running back or brings one in, does Bucky go off the rails again? If so, we are down to two running backs and a damaged number 7 again. Just a thought.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:02 am
We are pressing n in desperate need for a de n folks are talking rb in the first round. Are u serious!!!!! Good rbs can be found in the latter rounds or FA. Bucky just had somewhat of an off year but as u can see, the talent, true grit n determination is there. He’s a natural type team player who will give his all even when things don’t go his way. As for Sean Tucker, he comes off as stand offish n self centered. He don’t seem to be all there mentally. Mentally n physically, he kind of reminds me of former 2020 Bucs 3rd round draft pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Rachaad White is also a team player, he didn’t complaint he just did his job. I wouldn’t let Rachaad walk. I would meet with him to let him know that once Evans retires, which will be soon, he will have more playing time on offense, possibly a starting wr because Emeka regressed 2nd half of season. I believe if Rachaad competed with Emeka as starter he’ll best him out. Rachaad is a pure talented athlete (we will regret letting him walk) that the Bucs do not know how to use. As for the defense, unless we pick up a proven game changer at de or linebacker, let’s draft defensive line n linebacker in first four rounds, PERIOD.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:12 am
TUCKER IS AN NFL STARTER AT RB! he needs to be the first two downs and let bucky be the 3rd down guy. Idk how they don’t see this
February 16th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Probably get one in the later rds or FA. We need some defense bad.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Not really overlooked just an easier hole to fill. Something they should definitely consider late day 3. Also the most talked about FA move I’ve heard everyone suggesting (outside of Edge) is The falcons Rb2 Tyler Allgeier. Falcons fans tell me the Bucs would only have a chance if they told him it was a truly open competition for RB1 at camp. He sees himself as a starter and won’t sign anywhere that has an established RB1.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:47 am
@Buc Fan in Phoenix:
You are not wrong. EXHIBIT ONE: The US men’s Olympic hockey team. They bring in subs and there is no noticeable let down. They grind on the opponent with quality starters and quality back ups. EXHIBIT TWO: The US women’s Olympic hockey team. See EXHIBIT one.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:53 am
I agree with dmatt, Rachaad Whitee is a team player and it would be a shame to have him leave for Carolina or Dallas and play lights out. Zac Robinson needs to visit him and make nice about the “New Sheriff” in town who appreciates his abilities. With Irving and White you could end up with a Gibbs – Monthomery situation and 1,000 yards plus each season! Don’t let him walk!
February 16th, 2026 at 9:15 am
Doubtful that Sonny Styles or Jeremiyah Love will be available at 15. If miraculously, Love is still available, we have to break the all defense draft rule and grab him. He is certain to be the OROY and much more as his career develops.
February 16th, 2026 at 9:37 am
White has been our most consistent back.
In fact, if the skill players, probably top two or three, and maybe the most reliable/healthy.
White gives lots of pro style options.
I’d rather Bucs keep him
February 16th, 2026 at 10:16 am
White is gone. He has had one foot out the door the entire 2nd half of the season. He will not resign with the Bucs. His most likely landing spot is Washington he wants to play with his best friend Jayden Daniels.
February 16th, 2026 at 10:41 am
There is no position except WR and starting QB that does not need an upgrade.
Bucky is Cadillac. He had one good stretch. That’s it. Cannot place the running game on him.
Tucker needs to improve pass protection or he’s going to be out of the league. It’s teachable. Warrick Dunn was the best blitz stopper they’ve ever had in the backfield. So it’s not about size.
February 16th, 2026 at 11:11 am
Quit worrying about Tuck’s Blocking and just give him the Damn Ball
February 16th, 2026 at 11:37 am
It is now that White’s gone. That’s not guessing. It’s A FACT. We already Know that Bucky can’t carry all of the water. Tucker either isn’t reliable or multiple OC’s just haven’t figured him out. Either way…. You Bet Love is looking some kind of Fantastic. It’s a shame we’re So SH.. crappy in our defense. Because if we could add a weapon such as Love…. We would be For Real, Real Fast!
But… we’re anorexic on the defensive side of the ball. So….
February 16th, 2026 at 11:40 am
There were no holes to run through last year due to lack of starting level offensive linemen. It’s not rocket science. Bucky will be Bucky again and Tucker is capable of a huge season if our offensive line is HEALTHY.
February 16th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Don’t sweat it Joe. RB is the easiest of all positions to acquire. Especially if you already have some good ones. Allgiere would be a luxury pick up. Probably worth it if not too expensive.
February 16th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Hey guys, I watched Bucky play his whole college career at U of Oregon. The Ducks were always loaded with RBs and Bucky would come in and play great. But, he was behind 1 or 2 other RBs. I don’t think he ever started. So, I agree he is not the Bell Cow that the Bucs tried to turn him into.
Bucky is a great change of pace player or a starter in a 2 RB system. Unfortunately, “The System” (gag) is locked in. Bucky is not an every down back. Let him take Tucker’s place and get Algiers as starter.
February 16th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
The whole team fell off that cliff brother. Not just one part, all of it.
February 16th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
Bucky IS the change-of-pace back. He should not be the featured one.
The Bucs need a big, strong back and have needed that for a while. And one winning formula is pairing a standard back with a battering ram. See, Vereen and Blount (among others).
The Bucs have tried running smaller backs into the middle of the line, with limited success. Using a large back would at least be a different approach.
February 16th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
Is there a single season where people are saying we need to draft a RB high?
My God, it’s very single year.
Bucky is an elite RB, just watch the tape. The idea he forgot how to play is dumb.
As for Tucker, he’s not going to get tendered. They’d have to do so at like a 2nd round value or something, and that’s not happening, so Tucker might not even back. I have no issues with Tucker as a third back on the roster, but he’s not #2 material.
February 16th, 2026 at 11:27 pm
@dmatt – so you just wanna resign White and make him a starting WR? This kills me. Do you not realized how specific and specialized positions are at this level? Someone who has been an RB probably since youth just doesn’t “ go over there and start at WR” in the NFL. Dude…. That’s like when any player is 6’5” and 230 they say “ he could be a great NFL Tight End”! Insane comment.
February 20th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Tucker has been the most talented RB the team has had in years. Tendering him is not the only option. They can opt to NOT tender him, allow him to test free agency, and then sign him to a friendlier deal. He’s NOT breaking the bank either way but good NFL teams know exactly who he is. He was misused late last season as our short yardage back. Not that he can’t do it, but he has significant value on other downs as well and should have been used as such. I agree that Bucky is no bell cow. Tucker should be our main RB, getting carries on 1st and definite running downs, while Bucky should be our change of pace and receiving RB. It isn’t that hard to figure out. Every time Tucker has gotten significant reps he has produced. Ask the Saints what they think of him.