White reveals feeling 'underrated' and 'underutilized' during his final seasons with Tampa Bay, questioning the team's backfield philosophy.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White was perhaps the most obvious departure in free agency, as the former Arizona State product made it clear that his time with the Bucs was at an end.
On Jan. 4, the Sunday when the Buccaneers were eliminated from postseason contention, White immediately posted on Instagram, "Uno out" with a prayer emoji, followed by "Thank yaw forever for da past 4 years."
Since signing with the Washington Commanders, White has made some interesting remarks regarding the end of his tenure with the Bucs, recently responding to a question about whether he'd been "underutilized."
"Underutilized? We could say, 'Yeah.' I feel like I’ve been kind of underrated, too," White said on the Commanders' "Next Man Up" show on Friday. "Each year I have gotten better regardless of the touches I have got."
White played in 67 career games with Tampa Bay, including 48 starts, rushing for 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added 205 receptions for 1,450 yards and 11 receiving scores.
The former third-round pick's role had decreased over the past two years, especially since the arrival of the Bucs' current starting tailback, Bucky Irving.
In January, White said he didn't mind splitting work with the talented Irving, but would have liked to see head coach Todd Bowles and former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard be more consistent with their "hot hand" philosophy.
"I always wanted someone else playing the backfield with me. But if we gonna say we gonna do the hot hand thing, and a guy got the hot hand, you know, then let’s just be a man of our word and be real about it," White said. "But if that’s not what we’re doing, then I’m professional, I’m man enough to understand."
Last season, White's decrease in production was evident, as he posted his lowest rushing total (572) and carries (132) since his rookie season. White's receiving impact took a big hit as well, posting career-lows in receptions (40), receiving yards (218) and failed to record a receiving score.
Luckily for Tampa Bay, fourth-year running back Sean Tucker made the most of his increased opportunity, posting a career year.
The standout Syracuse product rushed for 320 yards, finding the end zone seven times.
Both Tucker and Kenneth Gainwell, Tampa's newest addition to the backfield, are fine replacements for White, as Gainwell is also coming off of an incredible season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
White’s departure is unfortunate, but it felt inevitable. He’ll be remembered fondly for his time in Tampa, though it would have been nice to see it end on a better note.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!