The winds of change are blowing through Tampa Bay, and they’re not exactly subtle. After a season that unraveled in spectacular fashion, the Buccaneers are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff and, soon enough, their roster. The first domino fell with the dismissal of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, and in his place steps Zac Robinson-a fresh face tasked with revamping an offense that sputtered when it mattered most.
But as much as the coaching carousel has taken center stage, the real intrigue is starting to shift toward the players. Free agency may still be a few weeks away, but the Bucs are already deep in the process of evaluating who stays, who goes, and who might be walking through the door next.
One name to keep a close eye on? Tyler Allgeier.
Why Tyler Allgeier Makes Sense in Tampa
There’s a lot to unpack here, but let’s start with the obvious: Rachaad White’s days in Tampa appear to be numbered. His recent comments suggest he’s already looking ahead to a reunion with Jayden Daniels in Washington, and he hasn’t exactly been subtle about his intentions. While nothing’s official yet, the writing’s on the wall-and the Bucs seem to be reading it loud and clear.
Enter Allgeier, who has a direct connection to Robinson from their time together in Atlanta. That familiarity matters, especially for a new coordinator trying to implement his system with players who understand his expectations and tendencies. Allgeier wouldn’t just be a plug-and-play addition-he’d be someone Robinson already knows how to use effectively.
And the fit? It’s a strong one.
Allgeier has quietly put together a solid start to his career, rushing for 1,841 yards on 466 carries over the past three seasons. That’s an average of 3.95 yards per carry-not eye-popping, but certainly dependable, especially given that most of his work came as a complementary piece behind Bijan Robinson.
Allgeier carved out a niche in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where Tampa Bay’s offense often stalled last season.
Let’s not forget that infamous sequence against the Saints, where the Bucs needed eight tries across two goal-line possessions just to punch in a single yard. Those are the kinds of moments that define seasons-and expose weaknesses. Allgeier’s ability to move the chains in tight spaces could be a game-changer for a team that struggled mightily in third-and-short and red zone scenarios.
A Youth Movement in the Backfield?
There’s also a long-term angle here that makes Allgeier even more appealing. At just 25 years old, he’s younger than White and carries less wear and tear thanks to his role as a secondary back in Atlanta.
That’s a big deal in today’s NFL, where running backs are often viewed as short-term investments. Pairing Allgeier with Bucky Irving-who’s already flashing star potential-could give the Bucs a dynamic, youthful one-two punch in the backfield.
Sean Tucker is also in the mix, though his restricted free agent status complicates things. He showed flashes last season, particularly in goal-line situations, but his price tag is likely going up. If the Bucs want to avoid overpaying or using valuable draft capital on a running back, Allgeier becomes an even more logical target.
Building a More Balanced Offense
This isn’t just about adding talent-it’s about building an offense that can sustain drives, convert in critical moments, and keep defenses guessing. Tampa Bay’s run game has been trending in the right direction after hitting rock bottom a few years ago, but it’s still a work in progress. Adding a back like Allgeier, who can handle the dirty work between the tackles, would free up Bucky Irving to do what he does best-create explosive plays in space.
And let’s not overlook the strategic ripple effect. With a reliable short-yardage option, Todd Bowles and Zac Robinson might feel more confident going for it on fourth-and-short, extending drives instead of settling for punts or long field goals. That kind of aggressiveness can shift momentum in a game-and in a season.
The Bottom Line
We’re still in the early stages of the offseason, and plenty can change between now and the start of free agency. But the dots between Robinson and Allgeier are easy to connect.
The Bucs need a physical, reliable presence in the backfield. Robinson needs players who can execute his vision.
And Allgeier, still young and largely underused, needs an opportunity to take on a bigger role.
Sometimes the best moves are the ones that make the most sense. And if Allgeier ends up in pewter and red this spring, don’t be surprised-this reunion might just be the backfield reset the Bucs have been waiting for.