The Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided not to tender their backup running back as free agency nears.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided not to place a tender on restricted free agent running back Sean Tucker, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The decision means Tucker can become a free agent when the league year opens next week.
Tucker ran for 320 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and added 34 yards and a touchdown on eight catches, serving as the No. 3 running back behind starter Bucky Irving and backup Rachaad White. He saw extended time during the season with injuries to Irving.
With White also a free agent, Irving is the only running back under contract for 2026.
Irving had shoulder surgery this offseason, which magnifies the team’s need to add depth at the position.
Tucker played three seasons for the Buccaneers, signing as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse in 2023. Over that stretch, he rushed for 651 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 152 yards and two TDs on 19 catches.
His 177 snaps played in 2025 were the most he played in a season. The bulk of that came from Weeks 8-12, a stretch that included rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns and adding 34 yards and a touchdown in Tampa Bay's 44-32 Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Tucker was thought to potentially be the No. 2 running back in Tampa Bay next season behind Irving, with White likely moving on this offseason. Instead, the Buccaneers will now be on the search for a new backup to Irving.
The Buccaneers do have three running backs signed to reserve/futures deals for the offseason, including Josh Williams, Michael Wiley and Owen Wright, all of whom are expected to be part of offseason workouts and, if they survive roster cuts, the team's practice squad.
Running back is quickly becoming a pressing need for the Buccaneers. Irving remains the starter, but how team decides to fill out depth in the backfield will be intriguing to follow.
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