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 7:35 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 7:47 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