Odd man out running back Rachaad White could force a Chiefs, Ravens trade this year. Bleacher Report has the running back moving on from the Buccaneers since they have plenty of backfield depth behind White, including Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. Tampa Bay is expecting White to share the snaps when he returns but it might be easier to trade him to a team that needs a backup. Originally selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, White is in his third year with the Buccaneers.
Head Coach Todd Bowles says Irving earned more snaps and Tucker has been impressive which could make White expendable. However, the coach is looking forward to having a “three-headed monster” helping Baker Mayfield in the backfield. In reality, the Buccaneers have too many running backs and the team won’t be able to afford all of them in the future so it’s better to trade White now that’s he productive. Tampa Bay sitting at 4-2 can easily dangle White on the trade block but the team may have other aspirations since they could be looking to play in this year’s postseason.
White should be able to draw interest from plenty of suitors who are looking for an extra backfield piece. He may not be a full-time starter for a roster if Tampa Bay trades him, but he could still be a valuable piece. Last season, the Arizona State product started all 17 matchups, notching over 1,500 yards of total offense.
Returning Odd Man Out Rachaad White Could Force Chiefs, Ravens Trade
More Help in Kansas City
The Chiefs are lasting without Isiah Pacheco leading the backfield. Kansas City still has one of the most questionable offenses this season despite being 5-0 when they should be 2-3. However, Kareem Hunt is holding down the fort of this entire backfield, being a thriving runner again like the old days. He could keep that same performance up but there’s no guarantee of that happening.
Hunt struggled to stay consistent filling in for injury-prone Nick Chubb. Perhaps, in Andy Reid’s world, they could use another backfield weapon to help Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele. One thing about the Chiefs offense is that they could probably make any weapon into a success. White doesn’t need to start full-time if he arrives in Kansas City but it might take at least a mid-round pick in return for his services.
Keep Derrick Henry Fresh
Anyone who’s been watching football understands that Derrick Henry is a top 3 running back this year. Baltimore made a huge investment for him and it’s paying off for other backfield weapons like Justice Hill after signing a contract extension. However, the team could use another rotational piece to share the ball with Henry. Jim Harbaugh knows it takes more than Henry himself to carry the running back corps.
White will probably never start over Henry but the Ravens could make another investment in time for the postseason to keep the backfield fresh. Perhaps, the Ravens can anticipate waiting until Keaton Mitchell comes back but that’s anything but a stretch. Rachaad White has been productive in his rotating backfield in Tampa among two other running backs so there’s no question he could probably do the same with just one. White might even be more elusive in the scheme built around Lamar Jackson.
