Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lighter Rachaad White Aims to Remain a Playmaker for Bucs

Though then-rookie Bucky Irving took over the starting job in the Bucs' backfield late in the 2024 season, fourth-year RB Rachaad White remains a valuable part of the team's offense and feels quicker than ever after dropping weight in the offseason

Jul 31, 2025 at 03:44 PM

Scott Smith

Senior Writer/Editor

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had something of a changing of the guard in their offensive backfield last season, just like they had in 2022, when Rachaad White was a rookie. White joined a team that still had Leonard Fournette, a playoff hero, as its lead running back but around midway through that campaign the roles were flipped and White became the starter. White averaged a little under five carries a game over the first nine games in 2022 but over 11 per game after moving into the starting lineup for the second half.

After starting all 17 games in 2023 and producing 1,539 yards from scrimmage, White had the job again to start last season, with fourth-round pick Bucky Irving set to serve as a complement who would likely excel most on runs to the outside. As the season progressed, it became increasingly clear that Irving was much more than that and his touches increased from month to month. Though Irving didn't officially get moved up to number one on the depth chart until mid-December, he went from getting a little under 12 targets per game in the first nine outings to 18.5 per game the rest of the way.

The main difference between those two situations is that Fournette did not return for the 2023 season in Tampa, while White is back for his fourth season with the Buccaneers in 2025. Irving will clearly be the starter to open this season and will likely get the largest share of touches in most games, but White is embracing his role and wants to remain a big part of the Bucs' offense.

"The biggest thing [with the way] I approach it right now, when my number's called, make plays," said White. "Don't take a play off and make the most of the touches I get. I'm not really thinking about any of that, honestly. I'm just here to have fun and see what happens.

"Being in Year Four, I don't think it gives me a sense of urgency. I just think me wanting something for myself, wanting to be great, wanting to be a guy that's still looked at as a playmaker on this team, gives me a sense of urgency."

Of course, going into Year Four for White also means he's headed into the final year of his rookie contract. He could be motivated to earn a second contract in Tampa or, if that doesn't come to pass, a significant role on another team, but he said that is not what is motivating him as he gets ready for the 2025 campaign.

"It is crazy to think about," said White. "It is like, in Year Four, I know it, but I do not really think about it. I am just blessed to still be here. I am blessed to be healthy, especially as a running back and just run around and be a playmaker."

In fact, White's internal motivation has been showing throughout the offseason. He decided to slim down a bit to try to add quickness and he plans on playing this season at his current weight of 211 or 212, which he says is "smooth" for him.

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TAMPA, FL - July 31, 2025 - Para-Commandos during Military Day at 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Vanessa Wenzl/Tampa Bay Buccaneers