Are The Bucs Shopping, Showcasing Sean Tucker For A Trade?
August 28th, 2026
Joe has heard and seen disturbing chatter regarding the Bucs possibly cutting running back Sean Tucker.
Joe finds that notion to be borderline dumb and preposterous. Good young players should not be departing the Bucs. Tucker is 24 and he scored 8 touchdowns last season. Among No. 3 running backs, Tucker is elite. And many teams keep four running backs on their roster.
But Rondé Barber strongly suggested Tucker is battling Josh Williams for a job with Tampa Bay during Saturday’s preseason broadcast. Williams was an undrafted free agent last season and barely got a sniff before being suspended for performance enhancing drugs.
While Joe doesn’t think Buccaneers Ring of Honor Jason Licht is foolish enough to let Tucker walk, Joe will play along with this idea.
Perhaps Tucker has been playing a lot — and late — in preseason games because the Bucs are showcasing him as much as possible for a potential trade.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Bucs are Tez Johnson-thin at cornerback and desperately could use a veteran.
Perhaps teams with serious running back issues like the Packers are interested in Tucker and have a corner to spare? Or teams with injury problems at running back like the Lions. Or maybe Licht can pry Sean Murphy-Bunting from the Cardinals? He’d be a great fit.
The way Barber was talking, Joe suspects something is up regarding Tucker, but Joe thinks it’s pure silly talk to think Tucker leaves the Bucs for no compensation.
That would be a very Lost Decade move.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
If we have a solid 3 in Williams, and can free up around 2 mil in salary, and can get a draft pick for him, probably worth it. His pass blocking is not good.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
Only for a CB who can START this year…otherwise u never get rid of him….one injury away from having RB concerns
August 28th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Giving credit where credit is due…Hillsborough Hairdresser Hot Rod Mulch of Salon Sports pontificated this very fact during the open thread gameday on first in class, best in class JBF.com. He has a non guaranteed contract of roughly 3.5 million…very rich for a 3rd string RB.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
We will find out soon. Go Bucs
August 28th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Sometimes the Bucs make some head scratching moves just to save a few million dollars. This will be a huge mistake. He’s our goal line back. Why would you trade a touchdown scorer???????
August 28th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
We need his speed for breakaway runs. Williams is a lot slower.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:21 pm
Even if we were trade him it’s a dumb move . So we get another corner but make ourselves weaker at rb? Very dumb ..
August 28th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
Stranger things have happened !!
August 28th, 2026 at 2:28 pm
I don’t think he’s going anywhere…they’re just thin at RB.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
LOL!
Trade?
For who or what?
A 7th round pick?
A back-up CB or ILB?
The question is – What is Tucker worf?
August 28th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
Buc1987….. Thin at RB?!? What? I would like some of what you are on.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
My thing is, why tender Tucker as a RFA if we were just to cut/trade him at the end of the preseason?
Personally, I wouldn’t be a fan of moving Tucker to keep Williams on the roster just to save what’s a relative drop in the bucket. Williams is a little smaller, definitely slower and doesn’t have much of a resume. If a attrition hits the RB room with either Bucky/Gainwell missing time, we’ll have whomever is left plus Josh Williams(?).
Gonna hit the “that doesn’t work for me brother” button on this one, but money motives make this go ’round.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
I wondered if they might be doing this. Would explain all the preseason reps.
@Stpetematt…. I double checked tuckers 40
Tuckers 40 speed was clocked @ 4.44 – 4.47 (1 private test was 4.33 but it was unofficial)
Williams 40 speed was clocked @ 4.45
August 28th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Nah…I don’t think Tucker is going anywhere..at least I hope not. He is after all, the next man up and as much as I like Bucky’s skill set…he is one tweaked ankle or shoulder away from maybe falling into the abyss mentally.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Tucker is clearly a 4.33. Nobody catches him if he gets even with a safety. Ever.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Tucker probably didn’t wanna be back as 3rd fiddle.
I’d be looking to keep 4 RBs and send Browning to the PS. If Baker goes down call him up otherwise throw Daniels into the fire.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:50 pm
I doubt there’s going to be a trade. I think they’re leaning toward keeping 3 Rbs and Williams has impressed them and would save 2.5m. Exposing Williams to injury in the preseason is probably more of the reasons Tucker is playing so late into the games. Allowing him to put out tape for other teams is just a bonus. Even if the Bucs only keep 2 Qbs this would allow them to keep 7 Wrs. 7 WRs are reasonable because so many are coming off of injuries. Kam & Patterson being 6 & 7. Hopefully putting Sills on the practice squad.
I think the defensive cuts are going to have the most surprises.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
People on this here site seem to talk just to talk (write).
One clown wrote that “the Bucs are thin at RB”…say what??
Another bozo says Williams is WAY slower than Tucker..huh??
Back on topic, the Bucs are deep at a few spots and will have some tough cuts to make. WR, RB, OLB. They are also very thin at some spots like CB, Guard and S.
If they think Williams can be a better all around or as good RB as Tucker, then dumping his 3.5 million salary makes sense. Especially if you can trade from a strength and help an area of weakness in a trade.
Between Tucker and Gainwell, you are paying 10.5 Million. That is a lot of money for 2 RBs who aren’t necessarily the starters.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Tucker is traded and only slightly surprised if he’s cut.
August 28th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
I suggested Licht shop him to the Vikings and Broncos since I doubt Aaron Jones or JK Dobbins will stay healthy through to the bye week but Green Bay would be another great opportunity for Tucker to shine and be a difference maker for a team rather than the over-priced insurance/kick returner he is for the Bucs.
A pick would be great but I’d settle for a late round pick swap and the cap space for the Bucs and a chance for Tucker to show he didn’t win NFC OPOTW twice by chance.
Trading for Seam Murphy-Bunting would be a clutch stroke of genius by Licht. Unfortunately the Cards are quite keen on their plans and what they have at RB but maybe sending Dennis and a day three pick to the Cards could bring SMB back to Tampa? I don’t think there is a better target to fill out the CB room. Getting picks and or cap space for guys about to get visited by the Turk is nice but adding a CB who is more than just a guy is essential. If not we may witness the CB version of the series of guys we saw grotesquely fail at Guard last season in 2026.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:05 pm
Don’t blame me….just watch the games and get back to me.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:06 pm
@ warrin
“Personally, I wouldn’t be a fan of moving Tucker to keep Williams on the roster just to save what’s a relative drop in the bucket.”
I agree.
That’s why I asked the question…
I would keep Tucker – I really like the juxtaposition between him, Buckey and Gainwell…
We need at least one goal line/short yardage back on this roster.
Plus – Tuck can return kicks – BONUS points scored.
Word?
August 28th, 2026 at 3:07 pm
* Bucky…
August 28th, 2026 at 3:20 pm
FOR A CB?
Yes! The Bucs despirately need CB depth.
I’d trade Bucky for a starting CB. The others guys are just as good.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:25 pm
Buc1987?? What da heck are you talking about???
Someone mentioned trading to The Broncos..they are just as deep at RB as the Bucs
August 28th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Tucker was a Maryland state sprinting champion in 55, 100 and 200M events. He broke all kinds of records at Syracuse too. His speed is dramatically different than the other backs. All you have to do is watch them to see it.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Eight touchdowns last year.
Naturally, the next step is getting that dangerous productivity the hell out of Tampa.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:40 pm
The Cardinals are the last team that needs a RB
August 28th, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Word.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Tucker could be RB1 on half of the teams in the league.
And I think he’s our best and most complete RB who deserves way more touches.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:44 pm
Elite? What are you smoking joe share some with me.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
I honestly can’t believe we are here.
Ive always wanted him to get MORE touches and we are talking about cutting him?
August 28th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Tucker is expensive for #3 RB at almost $4mil. Plus, he is a UFA after this season. Meaning Williams is cheaper and the Bucs have his rights for 2 years. Is there really that much difference between the 2?
August 28th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Not sure why Tucker is getting flack seems like he always produces
August 28th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Whatever move is made, I’m sure it will be the incorrect one. Bud Licht is a fraud at best. Brady made him look smart.
Just gotta GM it better. 🤡🤡🤡🤡
August 28th, 2026 at 3:53 pm
StPeteMatt… interesting. I did not know that and obviously he hasn’t been given the opportunity in his limited touches to show that long speed.
Maybe I missed it but I have never seen it.
I guess I wrongly posited on here a while back that he didn’t have the long speed or sure looked not to. Seemed like a Doug Martin type who would get caught from behind.
I can’t think of many teams that need him. Raiders maybe. Packers are sending good reports of Lloyd (?) and no idea if Jacobs will be suspended. Cards are a crowded room already, they aren’t cutting Benson to bring in Tucker. Lions maybe… Bears or Vikings maybe. Don’t think anyone wants to trade for a 3.5 million insurance policy at RB.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:53 pm
Cosmo, how many times does it need to be said that Brady doesn’t come here unless a SB roster was already in place. That roster was built by Licht.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:54 pm
I’m happy you like my advice Joe.
I’m honored you spread my ideas.
Tucker has proven he can get be badass RB in the NFL.
Give Tucker 30 carries? And he’ll get you 150 yards.
His pasa blocking sucks though. And he can’t play special teams.
He can’t block on PR and he can’t tackle on KR or PR.
So he’s expandable as a #3. And he’s expensive as a #3.
I wish we could trade him. Get a 7th. Or as Joe said, get a CB.
He’s honestly à #2 RB or a starter.
I’m surprised more teams aren’t interested in him.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:55 pm
With our first string offensive line opening huge holes Tucker’s speed might be the biggest advantage for long TD’s in the run game. Bucky makes beautiful cuts and creates and breaks tackles and has great contact balance, but ultimately gets chased down from behind a lot. Tucker wouldn’t be stopped from scoring on any very-well-blocked play. So mixing them up could really be cooking with gas.
August 28th, 2026 at 3:57 pm
Keep Tuck and add a experienced corner. There will be at least one and maybe two experienced corners that are casualties of the Turk.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
SMB? JFC.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:04 pm
I would be very surprised if Tuck isn’t on the final roster. Why? Because I’ve seen him make some incredible runs over the past two seasons. He has flashed all over the field so,I don’t think this is happening.
Go Bucs !!
August 28th, 2026 at 4:06 pm
Tucker is getting lots of reps to get used to Z-Rob’s wide zone run game. With Tuck’s speed, he can bust a wide zone run for 80 yards but he just needs to get the feel for the wide zones.
Suggesting a Tucker trade is like suggesting Dianna Russini is joining JBF.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
Yeah, trade him to the Packers, and watch him run for 150 yards, and 2 TDs against us.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
I like having 4 good RBs. It’s a long season.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
“With Tuck’s speed, he can bust a wide zone run for 80 yards but he just needs to get the feel for the wide zones.“
Yea dude, he ran in a zone scheme at Syracuse.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:24 pm
Exchanging a thin CB room for a thin RB room isn’t a solution. Without Tucker there’d be 3 RBs who are quick but not strong. He is the fastest of the bunch and possibly of all skill players on the team. Guys who are a threat to score from anywhere are in short supply.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:30 pm
The way they’ve been using Tuck sure makes me think something is going on. Something about this doesn’t pass the smell test. To this fan, appears Tuck is a playmaker running or catching it. Willing special teams guy. No telling what is going on behind the scenes. I don’t like it a bit.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:46 pm
Seems like something the Bucs would do. Tuck has never been given the time to showcase his talents. Trade him to a team that will appreciate his ability.
August 28th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Saskbucs Says:
“Cosmo, how many times does it need to be said that Brady doesn’t come here unless a SB roster was already in place. That roster was built by Licht.”
But he’s done Jack sh@t since Brady and before Brady.
The soft as butter defense was constructed by Licht.
The clutch until prime time current QB was brought in by Licht.
The HC that can’t buy a clue was hired and rehired by Licht.
The DC that can’t coach defense was retained after 2024 and 2025 by Licht.
Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life.
August 28th, 2026 at 5:07 pm
I said as much 3 weeks ago …
August 28th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
Bucs fans saying he is a starter lol. Guess what if he gets cut he will be 3rd string on his next team as well
August 28th, 2026 at 5:21 pm
If Tucker plays against Jacksonville, he could very well be playing against his new teammates!
August 28th, 2026 at 5:39 pm
If we could pick up a decent swing tackle for him, I’d take it. Based on the beating our backup QB’s are taking, I think that’s a bigger need than CB. If either one of our starting tackle’s gets hurt, we’re in big trouble.
August 28th, 2026 at 5:39 pm
He is a dangerous offensive weapon faster than our wide receivers. If he’s not a great pass blocker then send him to the flats as an outlet receiver. If he gets around the corner or up the middle even with a safety he’s gone. Use receivers to clear out areas and run him into them and pass him the ball. There’s lots of things that can be successful. He’s a great change of pace from Bucky and Gainwell who have virtually identical athleticism. He’d also be super useful to burn the clock in the 4th quarter with a lead. All it takes is some creativity…
August 28th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Sheesh, Barber mentioned once in the telecast that there could be a battle for third between Tucker and Williamson and Joe is building his mountain sized molehill.
August 28th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Rather hear about Garnes or Pepe.
August 28th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
“Rather hear about Garnes or Pepe.“.
Both played their way onto this roster imo, especially if they play well tonight. The only silver lining in Morrison being hurt has been those 2 guys in the same room getting after it
August 28th, 2026 at 5:59 pm
In limited action 8 TDs.
August 28th, 2026 at 6:02 pm
Garnes keeps working hard on his tackling he could be a really good corner in this league. He has all the other skills in spades. Pepe looks good, too.
August 28th, 2026 at 6:06 pm
People who think it’s simple to just pluck a veteran off of waivers may not realize that first, half the league has dibs on him before the Bucs. Second, he HAS TO be placed on the 53 man roster, so you better know who you are going to put on waivers on your current 53 before making the move. Oh, and of course, you have to be able to afford that veteran player’s contract if he is waived.
This is why an average year only has 27 players claimed off of waivers after the massive Sunday cuts. That’s out of the 1,184 players that won’t be on any team’s 53 man roster after Sunday.
August 28th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Agree with TackleBlockWin including agreeing with his username. I really hope Zac Robinson goes back and looks at everything Coen did with our run game in 2024. Some of those 3 TE counter runs were a thing of beauty.
August 28th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
How is everyone watching the game today
August 28th, 2026 at 6:53 pm
Robinson is trash, nobody wanted him. Bucs bargain bin to match him with the stellar head coach. Talent is there to win, but coaching matters
August 28th, 2026 at 6:59 pm
Was thinking just this when people were whining why he was playing so much. Josh Williams is better
August 28th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Scott McKirahan Says:
Sheesh, Barber mentioned once in the telecast that there could be a battle for third between Tucker and Williamson and Joe is building his mountain sized molehill.
*************************
This is the worst time of year between preseason and regular season. I’m a jerk to the Joes about some of the content they invent and imagine, but it’s hard to come up with new ideas to write about in this period. Everyone wants this garbage to end and week 1 to get here.
August 28th, 2026 at 7:19 pm
Joe is a mudha tucker for suggesting Sean be traded!
August 28th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
It would be nearly impossible to replace the 300 yards a year that Tucker produces, along with his non-existent blocking ability and mediocre hands. What would the Bucs do without him running into the back of his offensive lineman like he’s Michael Pittman. Nope, no way he can be replaced…
Actually, I don’t mind him as a #3 RB, but people talk about him like he’s anything more than that. With the Bucs being able to save $2.4M on the cap, and the fact Tucker only came into the game last week and was playing in the 4th quarter with the 4-stringers, it’s hard to think he’s not on the block.
Personally, I’d probably hang on to him. I haven’t seen enough from Williams to make much of a judgement on him – but then again running backs are a dime a dozen, so saving $2.4M is probably enough to make a move, when you can carry over cap room and next year you’re going to need all of it.
August 28th, 2026 at 8:01 pm
Alot of teams have undrafted rbs playing well. Whats Tucker gona fetch in a trade? Doubtful at best. The position is valued highly enough anymore
August 28th, 2026 at 8:13 pm
He’s fast, versatile and durable. Not a great pass blocker.
August 28th, 2026 at 8:31 pm
The first issue is why the Bucs gave him such a rich contract in the first place. Just for insurance? The second is that I don’t think that many running backs, including our four, would fetch a top corner in return. A depth piece would hardly be worth it.
August 28th, 2026 at 8:31 pm
Cosmo, the coaching hires have been his biggest blind spot, that and 2nd round picks but this can’t all go on Licht.
Well I guess it can but we have read here many times about the influence Arians had in some decisions, such as promoting Leftwich and promoting Bowles.
Bucs were a mess when Licht took over, things take time and he eventually built a SB winner. That buys a lot of rope with fans.
Since then he has continued to add good talent to this team through the draft and has some FA hits to go with a few massive misses. No GM is perfect. A lot of them just have better coaching staffs.
August 28th, 2026 at 9:48 pm
NO, DUMB MOVE , HE IS THE FASTEST BACK .GET HIM OUTSIDE LIKE ALSCOTT . NOT SOLD ON ROBENSON. TUNS UPVTHE MIDDLE . AM I WATCHING GIZZARD ?
August 28th, 2026 at 10:47 pm
So post game…
Tucker had 5 carries for 15 yards.
Blew a block to a future Wendy’s worker and gave up a sack.
Missed a tackle on special teams.
I don’t think that showcase game did much to showcase Tucker and his $3.5M salary. But they still might be able to get a 7th from some GM who just watches YouTube highlights, or had Tucker on his team in fantasy football and started him vs the Saints or Bills.
August 28th, 2026 at 11:40 pm
I’ve said this before. Tucker isn’t a 3 down back. He doesn’t have the coaches confidence in pass protection. He’s the least talented pass catching running back on the team. Defenses key on him because if he’s in the backfield its not a pass its a run up the gut. The reason Bucky is more successful than Tucker. Isn’t because he runs harder. Its because he’s versatile. The defense can’t just stack the box on Bucky. Because he’s a danger in the passing game as well. Back when this team had White and Tucker. White struggled running the running between the tackles and Tucker struggled in pass protection and catching out of the backfield. Defenses knew what the offense was doing by which runningback was in the backfield. Bucky, Gaineswell are versatile 3 down backs. Tucker would only be used situationaly. Like if we were up two scores and running out the clock. I don’t see them trading Tucker. But in today’s NFL where they run single back sets. 3 down running backs are way more sought after than a situational runner like Tucker.
August 29th, 2026 at 12:41 am
We need to keep tucker