After four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it looks like Rachaad White’s time in pewter and red is officially coming to a close. The former third-round pick had his moments in Tampa, but both sides seem ready to turn the page - and honestly, that might be the best move for everyone involved.
For the Buccaneers, it’s a chance to retool their backfield and explore new options at running back. For White, it’s a fresh start - and one that could land him in a situation tailor-made for a resurgence. All signs are pointing toward Kansas City as a logical next stop, and there are plenty of reasons why that pairing makes a whole lot of sense.
Let’s start with the fit. The Chiefs are in the market for reliable, versatile backfield help.
While Isiah Pacheco has carved out a role as the team’s lead back, Kansas City has consistently looked to complement him with a dependable second option - someone who can catch passes, handle pass protection, and give the offense some added flexibility. That’s where White comes in.
He brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. While he never quite broke out as a star in Tampa, he flashed enough as a runner and receiver to suggest there’s more to unlock in the right system.
And if there’s any coach who knows how to maximize a player’s strengths, it’s Andy Reid. Pair that with Patrick Mahomes under center and a dynamic offense that’s always looking to create mismatches, and you’ve got a pretty enticing landing spot for a back like White.
From a financial standpoint, the numbers work too. Spotrac projects White’s market value at around $7.4 million annually on a two-year deal - a manageable figure for a team like Kansas City, especially when you consider what they’d be getting in return. The Chiefs have made a habit of finding mid-tier free agents who blossom in their system, and White fits that mold.
There’s also a personal connection here that shouldn’t be overlooked: White is originally from Kansas City. A return to his hometown, playing for the team he likely grew up watching, would be a full-circle moment. And for the Chiefs, bringing in a local product with something to prove adds another layer of motivation and potential upside.
White is 27 - still young enough to contribute, but at a point in his career where he needs the right opportunity to re-establish his value. He’s not entering free agency as a marquee name, but he doesn’t have to be.
What he needs is a team that believes in his versatility and gives him a role where he can thrive. Kansas City checks all those boxes.
While things didn’t quite click in Tampa, White’s tenure there wasn’t a failure. He showed flashes, handled a rotating cast of offensive personnel, and stayed ready when called upon. Now, with a clean slate ahead of him, he could be poised to make a real impact - especially if he lands in a system like Kansas City’s that plays to his strengths.
The writing’s on the wall. The Buccaneers are moving in a new direction, and White is looking for a reboot. If the Chiefs are serious about bolstering their backfield without breaking the bank, this could be a win-win waiting to happen.