Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker could be entering the last week of the preseason on the chopping block. Greg Auman of Fox Sports pointed out that Tucker has a $3.5M salary in 2026. The Bucs sat him out of their latest preseason game in order to give Josh Williams a longer look. If they like what they see from Williams, they can save the cap space by moving on from Tucker.
“I’m not sure this is what the Bucs are doing, but in playing Josh Williams ahead of Sean Tucker last night, there’s a chance they’re lukewarm to paying Tucker $3.52 million to be their RB3 (or RB4),” tweeted Auman. “RFA tenders aren’t guaranteed, and it was surprising back in March when the Bucs gave Tucker the full tender instead of trying to bring him back on a lesser deal. They could cut him next weekend, either moving on entirely (no cap hit) or trying to bring him back for less money.”
As things stand, the combination of Williams and third-year running back Bucky Irving would not have the same cap hit as Tucker. Beyond cutting, the team could trade him. While a third-string running back would not fetch much, he had 86 carries and 11 targets last season. A late-round pick or pick swap could be on the table for Tucker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Could Put Sean Tucker on the Chopping Block
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker.
Bowles acknowledged Tucker sitting out in the preseason but noted that he did not see it as a flip-flopping decision. It was solely based on giving Williams a bigger chance after a big game.
“(Williams) had a good game last week. We wanted to see him against better guys, so we wanted to put him out there early. It didn’t mean (anything) as far as them flip-flopping, but we wanted to see him earlier.”
Still, as Auman notes, if they feel comfortable about Williams as the fourth back, it makes Tucker as a $3.5M third back even more expendable.
Buccaneers are High on Second-Year RB Josh Williams
Williams was a rookie UDFA from LSU last season. He was only active for two regular-season games and was suspended for six games in his rookie season. The lack of faith in Williams entering the offseason is why the team picked up the tender for Tucker.
However, Williams has caught their eye in his second season. Williams had eight rushes for 27 yards in his first preseason performance. He only had two rushes for nine yards in Week 2, but the offensive line was a problem. He did add two catches for 24 yards, which is the role Tucker would hold if he made the team. His overall grade was 67 according to PFF, which is above average.
He has one week left to prove himself more, but right now he is trending in the right direction to make the team and make Tucker expendable. We will see if the Bucs end up listening to offers on Tucker or if the smoke around his release picks up.
Buccaneerss $3.5M Veteran Suddenly Lands on Chopping Block