The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and while the spotlight has been squarely on big-name veterans like Mike Evans and Lavonte David, there are a couple of under-the-radar free agents who could quietly shape the team’s future: running back Sean Tucker and defensive back Christian Izien. Neither is a household name, but both have carved out important roles-and their potential departures shouldn’t be overlooked.
Sean Tucker: More Than Just a Backup
Let’s start with Sean Tucker. The second-year running back hasn’t been a full-time starter, but when given the opportunity, he’s made it count.
Bucs fans will remember his breakout game in Week 6 of the 2024 season-a 192-yard, two-touchdown explosion against the Saints that earned him NFC Player of the Week honors. That wasn’t a fluke.
Tucker followed it up with flashes of big-play ability throughout 2025, even as part of a crowded backfield.
Sure, his yards per carry dipped from 6.2 to 3.7 last season, but context matters. He was often used in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where efficiency naturally takes a hit.
And he still found the end zone eight times, largely by grinding out tough yards near the goal line. When Bucky Irving missed time midseason, Tucker stepped into a bigger role and delivered.
Over a four-game stretch, he logged consistent touches and racked up four touchdowns, including a standout performance in Buffalo-19 carries for 106 yards and a pair of catches for 34 more.
Tucker’s value lies in his versatility and dependability. He’s not just a change-of-pace guy.
He’s shown he can handle a starter’s workload if needed, making him a strong No. 2 option behind Irving. And with Rachaad White reportedly on his way out, the depth chart behind Irving is looking thin.
Tucker’s presence could be crucial, especially if injuries hit again.
But here’s where things get tricky: Tucker is a restricted free agent. That gives Tampa Bay some control-specifically, the right to match any offer he receives from another team-but it also raises questions about how much they’re willing to pay to keep him.
A first- or second-round tender would all but guarantee he stays, but those come with hefty price tags ($7.458 million and $5.346 million, respectively, based on 2025 cap figures). That’s a steep cost for a backup.
The more likely scenario is a right-of-first-refusal tender, which would allow the Bucs to match any offer without receiving draft compensation if he walks. That tender comes in at a more manageable $3.263 million.
Still, in a deep free-agent running back class, it’s unclear how much attention Tucker will draw. A team looking for a spark in the backfield could make a push, and Tampa Bay will have to weigh whether they want to match or let him walk.
Another option: the Bucs could skip the tender altogether and try to re-sign him on a cheaper deal-say, just north of $2 million with some guaranteed money and an extra year tacked on. That would be a savvy move if they can pull it off.
Bottom line: Tucker might not be a star, but he’s proven he can produce when called upon. Losing him-especially with White already out the door-would leave a noticeable hole behind Irving. If he walks, the Bucs could be forced to look elsewhere, either in free agency (a name like Tyler Allgeier could surface) or in the later rounds of the draft.
Christian Izien: The Glue Guy in the Secondary
Then there’s Christian Izien. He’s never been the flashiest name in the Bucs’ secondary, but don’t let that fool you-his value runs deeper than the stat sheet.
Izien made his presence known right out of the gate as a rookie in 2023, earning a starting job at nickelback and playing 64% of the defensive snaps. He finished that season with 65 tackles, two picks, and a forced fumble. Not bad for an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers.
In 2024, even after the team drafted Tykee Smith to take over the nickel role, Izien didn’t fade into the background. He shifted into more of a safety role, started 10 games, and played 75% of the snaps. His production stayed strong-75 tackles, another interception, and another forced fumble.
But in 2025, his role diminished. With rookies Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish entering the fold, Izien saw his playing time drop to just 20% of the defensive snaps.
Still, in limited action, he managed 25 tackles and a forced fumble. That’s the kind of quiet consistency that coaches love.
What makes Izien so valuable isn’t just his numbers-it’s his versatility. He can play nickel, slide back to safety, and step into multiple roles without missing a beat.
In Todd Bowles’ complex defensive scheme, that kind of flexibility is gold. And it’s not easily replaced, especially not at a discount.
The question now is whether the Bucs are willing to give him a right-of-first-refusal tender at $3.263 million. That’s a fair price for a player who can fill so many roles, but with so many roster decisions looming, the front office may decide to go a different route.
If Izien leaves, the team doesn’t just lose a backup-they lose a utility player who knows the system inside and out. And that matters more than it might seem.
Young DBs can eventually grow into that kind of role, but development takes time, and mistakes in the secondary can be costly. Just ask anyone who watched Morrison’s rookie ups and downs.
Depending on how the offseason shakes out, Izien could find himself back in a bigger role. If Jamel Dean departs and Parrish shifts outside, the nickel spot could reopen.
Meanwhile, with Antoine Winfield Jr. and Smith locked in as starting safeties, Izien would still be the top backup at both spots. That’s not a bad gig-and one that could turn into more if injuries hit.
The Quiet Core
Neither Sean Tucker nor Christian Izien is going to dominate headlines this offseason. But both have proven they can step up when called upon. They’ve been reliable, productive, and most importantly, adaptable-traits every team needs in its depth chart.
As the Bucs weigh big decisions on stars like Evans and David, they’d be wise not to overlook the impact of losing glue guys like Tucker and Izien. These are the kinds of players who keep a roster balanced, who step in when injuries strike, and who make the difference between a team that survives a long season-and one that doesn’t.
Keep an eye on what Tampa Bay decides to do here. Because if either of these two walks, the ripple effects could be bigger than expected.