Tampa Bay Buccaneers Eye Running Back Trade: Rachaad White Linked to Bears in Mock Scenario

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Eye Running Back Trade: A Move for the Future?

In a surprising twist to the NFL offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be gearing up for a significant shift in their running back lineup. According to a recent mock trade scenario proposed by ESPN analyst Seth Walder, the Buccaneers could be looking to offload former starter Rachaad White in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers.

The Proposed Trade Breakdown

In the hypothetical trade, the Buccaneers would send White to the Bears, receiving a 2026 fifth-round pick in return. The full details of the trade are as follows:

• Bears Receive: Rachaad White and a 2027 seventh-round pick (from Chargers)
• Chargers Receive: D’Andre Swift and a 2026 sixth-round pick (from Bears)
• Buccaneers Receive: 2026 fifth-round pick (from Bears)

This trade scenario raises eyebrows as it suggests a strategic pivot for the Buccaneers, who are reportedly transitioning to Bucky Irving as their lead back. White, who has been a valuable contributor, is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making him a logical candidate for trade.

A Strategic Move for Tampa Bay

From Tampa Bay’s perspective, the trade makes sense. With Irving stepping into the starting role and Sean Tucker also in the mix, White’s position appears increasingly precarious. “White is a useful player for Tampa Bay, but Bucky Irving took the starting job from him and is a strong receiver in his own right,” Walder noted. The addition of a mid-round draft pick could provide general manager Jason Licht with the resources needed to bolster the roster further.

Bears and Chargers: Different Needs, Different Goals

On the other side of the deal, the Bears would absorb Swift’s hefty $7.9 million salary, which includes $7.4 million in guaranteed money. While this may seem steep, it allows them to bring in White, who could become a key player in their backfield.

For the Chargers, the acquisition of Swift is primarily about depth. With rookie Omarion Hampton leading the charge and Najee Harris recovering from an eye injury, Swift would provide veteran experience. “No team has more combined cap space between this year and next than the Chargers,” Walder pointed out, making this trade feasible for Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead

As the Buccaneers continue their training camp, their running back room appears stable, even without a trade. However, the potential move indicates a broader strategy to keep the team young, explosive, and efficient in the backfield. Whether this trade materializes remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an intriguing layer to the Buccaneers’ offseason narrative.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they navigate the 2025 season. For continuous coverage, follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook.