The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a pretty successful offseason to this point. One of their notable signings included picking up Kenneth Gainwell to pair up with Bucky Irving in the backfield, as Tampa Bay was not able to retain Rachaad White, who is now on the Washington Commanders.
Bucky Irving had a stellar rookie season, but a foot injury limited the second-year running back to 10 games in 2025, and his yards per carry dropped from 5.4 to 3.4. While Bucky didn’t look as explosive in 2025, it’s unclear if it was because of the injury or how he was utilized. The Buccaneers were pretty consistent with giving three running backs ample carries last season.
Now, in a recent NFL mock trade by SI.com, the Buccaneers are predicted to offload Bucky Irving to the Houston Texans in exchange for draft capital.
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Buccaneers-Texans Bucky Irving Trade Idea Breakdown
GettyTAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 30: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Per SI.com’s Ethen Hutton, a hypothetical trade of Bucky Irving would land Tampa Bay a second-round pick in 2026, a fourth-round pick in 2026, and also a 2027 second-round pick, all courtesy of the Houston Texans.
Irving was taken in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 2025 and has tallied 1,710 rushing yards with 12 total touchdowns in 27 games.
The Texans are in dire need of an impact running back, which Irving could provide via trade.
Here’s Hutton’s reasoning why the Buccaneers-Bucky Irving saga may be over:
“The Buccaneers made a valuable addition with Gainwellâs signing in free agency. He brings a versatile skill set to Tampa Bayâs offense and has the chops to produce as the teamâs feature back. Irving is coming off a significant injury, but could still command a significant return with a trade. Considering the team would likely look to extend him following the 2027 season, the front office could save the money to reinvest in other needs throughout the roster over the long-term.”
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What Will the Buccaneers Draft Strategy Be?
The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have to decide on their strategy.
While a Bucky Irving trade is unlikely, you can’t rule anything out in the National Football League, especially with a team like the Bucs, who have a super sour taste in their mouths from the end of the 2025 season, which saw Tampa Bay collapse at the end.
The No.1 priority for Tampa Bay will be to buff up its defense, especially in the front seven.
This trade idea, proposed by Hutton, would net the Bucs a LOT of draft capital, which they could use to draft Irving’s replacement.
With the Kenneth Gainwell signing, it’s unclear who the lead back will be in 2026, especially after Gainwell’s emergence for the Steelers at the end of last season.
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