As the New England Patriots navigate a critical offseason in their quest to rebuild around young quarterback Drake Maye, a surprising name has emerged as a potential trade target: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back Rachaad White. In a recent report by Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie, White was floated as an “intriguing” option to bolster the Patriots’ struggling backfield. With 1,148 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season, White could bring the versatility and dynamism the Patriots desperately need. But is this trade a realistic possibility, and could White be the spark to ignite New England’s offense?
The Patriots’ Backfield Dilemma
The Patriots’ running game has been a mixed bag in recent years. While Rhamondre Stevenson has shown flashes of brilliance, injuries and inconsistent play have raised questions about his ability to be a true RB1. Antonio Gibson, signed as a free agent in 2024, has been a serviceable complement but lacks the game-changing ability to elevate the offense. With a young quarterback like Drake Maye under center, a reliable and versatile running back is essential to take pressure off the passing game and create balance in the offense.
Enter Rachaad White. The 26-year-old running back, now in his third NFL season, has proven himself as a dual-threat weapon for the Buccaneers. In 2024, White amassed 1,148 yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving) and scored eight touchdowns, showcasing his ability to impact games as both a runner and a pass-catcher. His quickness, vision, and hands out of the backfield make him an ideal fit for a modern NFL offense, particularly one looking to support a developing quarterback.
Why White Makes Sense for New England
The Patriots are at a crossroads as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency period. While the draft is loaded with talented running backs like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, trading for a proven commodity like White could provide immediate impact. Here’s why White is an attractive target:
Versatility: White’s ability to contribute as a runner and receiver gives offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt flexibility in play-calling. His 2024 stats include 64 receptions for 549 yards, making him a reliable check-down option for Maye in high-pressure situations.
Youth and Cost: At 26, White is still in his prime and under team control through 2025, the final year of his rookie contract. This makes him a cost-effective option compared to signing a high-profile free agent or investing a high draft pick in a rookie.
Fit with Drake Maye: A dynamic running back can be a young quarterback’s best friend. White’s ability to turn short passes into big gains and keep defenses honest would allow Maye to settle into the game without needing to force deep throws. Think of White as a safety valve, much like Christian McCaffrey has been for Brock Purdy in San Francisco.
Mike Vrabel’s Vision: Head coach Mike Vrabel, known for his balanced offensive approach during his time with the Tennessee Titans, could see White as a key piece in building a physical yet versatile attack. Pairing White with Stevenson could create a formidable backfield tandem, reminiscent of the Derrick Henry-Dion Lewis duo Vrabel coached in Tennessee.
The Trade: What Would It Cost?
While the idea of White in a Patriots uniform is tantalizing, the details of a potential trade remain unclear. The Buccaneers, coming off a competitive 2024 season, may be reluctant to part with a young, productive player like White unless the offer is compelling. A mid-round draft pick (e.g., a third- or fourth-rounder) could be a starting point, but Tampa Bay might also seek a player in return, such as a depth piece at offensive line or linebacker—positions where the Patriots have surplus talent.
For New England, the cost must be weighed against other options. The 2025 draft offers a deep class of running backs, and the Patriots hold multiple picks, including a projected high first-rounder. General Manager Eliot Wolf, known for his aggressive roster-building in Green Bay, will need to decide whether trading for White is a better investment than drafting a rookie on a cheaper contract. Additionally, the Patriots’ cap space could allow them to pursue a veteran free agent, though few available players match White’s upside and youth.
Potential Roadblocks
No trade is without risks, and acquiring White comes with its share of uncertainties:
Tampa Bay’s Stance: The Buccaneers view White as a cornerstone of their offense. Unless they’re blown away by an offer or planning to overhaul their backfield (perhaps by drafting a running back themselves), they may prefer to keep White, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield thriving in their system.
Patriots’ Priorities: With needs at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and defensive end, the Patriots may hesitate to allocate resources to a running back when Stevenson and Gibson are still under contract. Wolf and Vrabel must determine whether White is a luxury or a necessity.
Chemistry and Fit: While White’s skill set aligns with New England’s needs, integrating him into a new system and building chemistry with Maye could take time. The Patriots’ offense is still a work in progress, and adding a new piece doesn’t guarantee instant success.
The Bigger Picture: A Step Toward Contention?
The Patriots are in the early stages of a rebuild, with Drake Maye as the centerpiece of their future. Trading for Rachaad White would signal an intent to accelerate that process, giving Maye a reliable playmaker and Vrabel a versatile weapon to deploy. While the 2025 season may not see New England return to the playoffs, a move like this could lay the foundation for a competitive roster in 2026 and beyond.
If the Patriots pull off this trade, it could also send a message to the fanbase: the days of conservative roster moves are over. Under Vrabel and Wolf, New England appears ready to take calculated risks to restore its status as an AFC powerhouse. Whether White is the right player to spark that transformation remains to be seen, but the idea of him breaking tackles in Foxborough is enough to get Patriots fans dreaming of brighter days.
What’s Next?
As the NFL Draft approaches (April 24-26, 2025), the Patriots’ front office will weigh their options. If they pass on a running back in the draft, the rumors surrounding White could intensify. For now, New England fans can only speculate about what a White-Stevenson backfield might look like—and hope that Eliot Wolf has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Would Rachaad White be the missing piece for the Patriots’ offense, or is this just another offseason pipe dream? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Patriots are a team to watch as they chart their path back to relevance.