Buccaneers Could Pursue Former 1,000-Yard Rusher: Analysis
Since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t resolved running game issues, adding a former 1,000-yard running back in James Robinson wouldn’t hurt.
The Green Bay Packers released Robinson, 25, on Monday, November 6, since No. 1 back Aaron Jones returned from an injury. Green Bay signed Robinson to the practice on October 17 for depth, but Robinson has a history as a successful running back in the league.
Robinson rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns plus 49 catches for 344 yards and three touchdowns in 2020 as a rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He maintained solid play during the past two seasons with 1,192 yards and 11 touchdowns plus 42 catches for 273 yards and two scores in 25 games.
Injuries ultimately slowed Robinson in 2021 when he tore his Achilles in 2021. His return to the field with the Jaguars held some promise, but Jacksonville traded him to the New York Jets after running back Breece Hall went down with an ACL injury.
The New England Patriots took a chance on Robinson this year with a two-year, $8 million contract, but the team cut him in training camp due to injury concerns. Robinson got another short-lived shot with the New York Giants before the regular season, but he landed in Green Bay after his release.
Despite Robinson’s injury history, he could still spark an offense amid his 4.4 yards per carry career average and his 6.8 yards per reception career mark. He also wouldn’t cost a team such the Buccaneers $8 million to sign.
Tampa Bay needs a boost to a running game that ranks third to last in the league at 78.3 yards per game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is the team’s second-leading rusher with 122 yards on 35 carries, and he’s not a prototypical dual-threat quarterback.
Rachaad White Fits a Different Mold
Buccaneers No. 1 running back Rachaad White “really is a misplaced slot receiver” as JoeBucsFan.com put it. White ranks third on the team in receiving with 33 catches for 279 yards, an 8.5 yards per catch average.
“Per NextGen Stats, White has hauled in all but one of his 34 targets in the passing game this season,” JoeBucsFan.com wrote. “Pretty good. If he keeps up that rate he’ll set the single-season NFL record.”
