First of all Tucker is a return specialist and he is a known quantity as a backup RB with the Bucs organization. So re-signing him on the cheap is a no brainer. Next, the only upgrade you may try force is over Wright or Williams. But do the Bucs have the luxury of upgrading at RB to displace Wright or Williams when they are like third/fourth string? NO they do not.
Here are the team needs:
TE1 or TE2 to team with Durham and Culp.
Backup interior OL to compete with Klein, Haggard, and Scott.
Three tech DL incase Kancey is injured again. Bucs have no true 3 tech on their roster right now unless you count Roberts. But I am presuming Roberts just takes Hall's role with a seamless transition.
Backup NT to groom behind Vea with Simmons, Jayson Jones and Hutmacher bringing the rear and already under contract.
ILB X 2 to compete with Dennis and Jackson even if LVD returns.
OLB X 2 to compete with Diaby, Watts (RFA most likely re-signed), Braswell, Nelson, Kamara, and Walker.
WR room is stacked and here are the guys under contract (Godwin, Egbuka, McMillan, T. Johnson, K. Johnson, Greene, Houston). Even more so if Evans and Shepard return.
At tackle you have Goedeke, Wirfs, Chukwuma and Barton can fill in a pinch too.
DB depth is pretty good with Izien and Roberts. But it isn't a priority but it wouldn't hurt to add depth.
It is crystal clear that upgrading starting positions at ILB, OLB, TE and primary backups to OG and NT/3tech are more important than upgrading RB2/3/4.
If the Bucs spend cap space to relegate Irving to RB2 or make Tucker RB3 then it makes no sense when you have gaping holes at starting positions of TE1/TE2, no primary backup at guard/center, no starter opposite of Diaby at edge. NO player to step in at 3 tech if Kancey is out again. And may need 1 to 2 starters at ILB.
Tucker is RFA but unless the Bucs put a high tender on him there isn’t going to be any compensation. He’s essentially an UFA. With how he was treated the last two years he should go to a team that believes in him.
Tucker is RFA but unless the Bucs put a high tender on him there isn’t going to be any compensation. He’s essentially an UFA. With how he was treated the last two years he should go to a team that believes in him.
Lmfao the sob story for the UDFA RB that was given ample opportunities with Bucky out.
Tucker is appreciated by the Bucs given his increased workload while Bucky was out and was used on ST. There is no conspiracy against Tucker. He is a solid depth player for the Bucs and will be cheap to re sign as well as Izien and Watts.
After the Saints game last year it was clear he and Irving should split the touches.
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
Priority #1 is protecting Mayfield and he looked rattled toward the end of the year throwing some bad INTs. White is simply better than Irving and Tucker in pass pro and that isn't controversial.
What I take issue with is people talking about the Bucs spending cap space to bring in a free agent RB when that cap space can be used on another OL, veteran edge rusher, veteran ILB instead.
If Robinson can not formulate a rushing attack with Irving and soon to be re-signed Tucker then why is he here?
After the Saints game last year it was clear he and Irving should split the touches.
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
His contract when he reaches free agency may eclipse Adam Humphries.
After the Saints game last year it was clear he and Irving should split the touches.
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
The Fox news for Tucker's results
Tucker has been half featured in 4 games
54 carries, 337 yards, 6.2 ypc, 3 TDs
7 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TDs
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
Yet, White had a superior EPA/Rush, Total EPA, YPC, and success percentage than Tucker did last year.
Weird…
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
Yet, White had a superior EPA/Rush, Total EPA, YPC, and success percentage than Tucker did last year.
Weird…
You missed the memo. All of the message board GM’s got together and declared EPA only mattered in 2024.
All of the message board GM’s got together and declared EPA only mattered in 2024.
"Again and again and again"
Tucker has been half featured in 4 games
54 carries, 337 yards, 6.2 ypc, 3 TDs
7 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TDs
He did almost all of that vs Buffalo who, like the saints last year when he went off, is comically bad vs RBs
Then Irving gets hurt (again) and they lose the Pats game because they gave White carries over Tucker. Tucker explodes vs the Bills and it’s obvious he should be the guy but they still just only give him short yardage and scraps.
Yet, White had a superior EPA/Rush, Total EPA, YPC, and success percentage than Tucker did last year.
Weird…
You missed the memo. All of the message board GM’s got together and declared EPA only mattered in 2024.
I must've missed it while rewatching Freeman's induction ceremony into the JCHoF.
Such a great watch. Memories.
Tucker has been half featured in 4 games
54 carries, 337 yards, 6.2 ypc, 3 TDs
7 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TDs
He did almost all of that vs Buffalo who, like the saints last year when he went off, is comically bad vs RBs
Tucker has the best 2 games a Bucs RB has had since Doug Martin but somehow neither of them count.
Have you guys ever considered that Tucker is just really good?