Much of the fanfare surrounding Bucs players entering free agency has not been positive. With reports that wide receiver Mike Evans could head elsewhere to finish his career, and the growing possibility that this is the end of the road for inside linebacker Lavonte David, the franchise could be without one or both of their long-term core players for the first time in over a decade.

Other free agents discussed include cornerback Jamel Dean, tight end Cade Otton, running back Rachaad White, and defensive tackle Logan Hall. The only ones who could reportedly return for the right price are Otton and Hall, while Dean and White appear to have played their last snap in Tampa Bay, for one reason or another. The Bucs’ brass has mixed opinions on Hall though, so it will be interesting to see what happens with him in free agency.

You might think those are all the names to know in free agency. But there are two other free agents with more complicated forays into the open market – running back Sean Tucker and defensive back Christian Izien.

What Really Is Sean Tucker’s Future In Tampa Bay?

When Sean Tucker is given the chance at extended snaps, he has made the most of them across the past two seasons. Many might remember Tucker coming out of nowhere in Week 6 of the 2024 season with 192 total yards and two touchdowns in a 51-27 Bucs win over the Saints. That performance earned him NFC Player of the Week honors, and he flashed a similar ability to make big plays in 2025.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker and RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: USA Today

His yards per carry dipped from 6.2 to 3.7, but Tucker made up for it with eight touchdowns, primarily near the goal line. Tucker had a four-game stretch during the middle of the year when running back Bucky Irving was out, getting nine or more carries in each game. He responded with his most consistent stretch of play, scoring four touchdowns in that span. Three of those scores came when he shouldered the workload in Buffalo, with 19 carries for 106 yards and two catches for 34 yards.

Despite being in a three-man backfield with Irving and Rachaad White, Tucker has more than shown his value to the offense. That is where his free agency gets a little more complicated. He will be a restricted free agent this offseason, with the Bucs being able to offer him one of various qualifying offers (tenders) that come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation.

A full explanation can be found here, but it is unlikely Tucker receives a first or second-round tender based on the salary being $7.458 million for the former and $5.346 million for the latter. Those were based on 2025 salary cap figures, with that only rising with the 2026 salary cap increase.

The only option remaining for the undrafted free agent is a right-of-first-refusal tender. That doesn’t comes with draft pick compensation, but it would give Tampa Bay the ability to match any offer Tucker gets from another team. That figure based on the 2025 salary cap, comes in at $3.263 million.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In a deep free agent running back class, it is uncertain how much interest Tucker will receive from other teams. An offense desperate for a spark could offer him more than the Bucs are willing to spend. Wallet strings could become tight based on how much Tampa Bay attempts to land significant free agents, especially on the defensive side of the football. With White already not coming back, it would hurt even more seeing the offense without its two best backups to Irving, who dealt with injury issues in 2025.

General manager Jason Licht and assistant general manager Mike Greenberg could elect to not offer Tucker a tender at all, making him an unrestricted free agent. They then could negotiate a deal to bring him back at a lesser figure north of $2 million, perhaps giving him an extra year and some guaranteed money.

Regardless, it would hurt more than some might think seeing him head elsewhere. He has shown starting upside, with the ability to at least become a No. 2 running back. If he departs, the Bucs could pivot and sign Tyler Allgeier and/or draft a running back on Day 2 or 3.

Christian Izien Is A More Valuable Bucs Secondary Piece Than You Think

Christian Izien has never been the biggest name in the Bucs secondary. Izien’s value has always lived in the margins, and the trust head coach Todd Bowles has placed in him since he arrived. Even with his role shrinking in 2025, the idea that Izien is completely expendable misses what he provides to the defense.

Bucs DB Christian Izien – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Now, much of his production came in 2023 and 2024. The undrafted defensive back from Rutgers not only made the 53-man roster as a rookie, but he hit the ground running as the team’s starting nickelback.

Izien played in 64% of the defensive snaps in his first season, recording 65 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He then shifted into being the top backup the following year when Tampa Bay drafted Tykee Smith to be the nickelback. That did not stop “Izzy” from starting 10 games, largely at safety, and playing 75% of the defensive snaps. That resulted in him getting 75 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.

He was the odd man out this past year as the team drafted cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, preventing him from earning much playing time. That resulted in him getting just one start and playing only 20% of the defensive snaps. Still, he recorded 25 tackles and one forced fumble in that reduced role.

Now, one might think his time in town has run its course, but having someone who can slide into multiple roles is invaluable. That is not a skill easily replaced, especially not cheaply. But would Tampa Bay offer him the rights of first refusal tender at $3.263 million? It remains to be seen.

Bucs DB Christian Izien – Photo by: USA Today

If Izien were to leave, the need to replace him would be more significant than it appears on paper. It would not just be about finding another defensive back; it would be about finding one who can do several jobs competently and understands the complexity of Bowles’ system. Young players can develop into that, but development takes time, and mistakes in the secondary are costly (see Morrison during his rookie year). Veterans who offer that same flexibility do not come at bargain prices.

Perhaps he could return to being a key piece based on what transpires this offseason. Parrish is in contention to move to outside cornerback should Jamel Dean leave, putting Izien in the mix at nickel once again. Antoine Winfield Jr. and Smith remain the starting safeties, but he would also be the top backup there in case of injuries.

Like Sean Tucker, Christian Izien is a restricted free agent in a similar boat as a former undrafted free agent. Neither are star players, but they have had moments as starters and are two of the best depth pieces the Bucs have. If they depart, it would be noticed more than most realize. While eyes are looking elsewhere among the pending free agents, Tucker and Izien are worth mentioning, too.