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.