Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White continues to be the subject of trade speculation as the team’s depth chart and offensive direction evolve. Since the midpoint of the 2024 season, rumors about White’s potential departure have intensified — a trend that has persisted into the 2025 offseason. The primary reason behind this uncertainty is the emergence of Bucky Irving, a rookie who made an immediate impact and quickly challenged White’s role as the lead back.
While White still brings value to Tampa Bay, his future with the franchise appears increasingly uncertain. ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that the Buccaneers considered White to be a tradeable asset leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. This notion was echoed by Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, who identified White as Tampa Bay’s “Top Trade Candidate.” Davenport highlighted the contrast in production between White and Irving, noting that despite White averaging a career-best 4.3 yards per carry and surpassing 1,000 total yards in 2024, Irving was even more efficient, racking up over 1,100 rushing yards and averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
As a result, 2025 is shaping up to be White’s final season in Tampa Bay unless circumstances change drastically. Davenport also pointed out that while White may no longer be the Buccaneers’ go-to option, he could still be a valuable asset for another team — especially one dealing with running back injuries during training camp or simply in need of more backfield firepower.
One particularly intriguing possibility is a trade within the division to the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Dave Canales, who previously served as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, was instrumental in White’s breakout 2023 season when he accumulated over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and scored nine touchdowns. Josh Crysler of The Pewter Plank suggested that Carolina could be a natural landing spot for White, especially if they are dissatisfied with their current backfield depth. Pairing White with Chuba Hubbard under a coach who understands his strengths could be a seamless transition.
Meanwhile, Bucky Irving has rapidly become a star in Tampa Bay. Despite entering the league as a relatively overlooked fourth-round pick (No. 125 overall) from Oregon, Irving exceeded expectations. Davenport recently named him the most underrated running back in the NFL, citing his remarkable rookie campaign in which he not only cracked the top ten in rushing yards but also demonstrated versatility with nearly 400 receiving yards on 47 receptions.
Irving’s combination of speed, elusiveness, and ability to generate yards after contact transformed the Buccaneers’ run game, which had ranked near the bottom of the league for two consecutive seasons. His rise to prominence could ultimately push White out of Tampa Bay’s long-term plans, making a trade feel increasingly inevitable — especially if a team like the Panthers comes calling.
