NFL Trade News: Minnesota Vikings linked to $12M Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back (Image via Getty: Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo and Minnesota Vikings logo) The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reports that the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to spend big at wide receiver because they have other needs. They need to complete their running backs room because they are releasing veteran Aaron Jones by March 11, and C.J. Ham is retiring.So, they may need a player who’s easy on the cap space, not a rookie, and not someone who’s going to stay with them only for a few years and then retire. Technically called a ‘young veteran.’That is where Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggested adding Rachaad White. The 27-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back went from 3.7 yards per attempt in the 2022 season to 4.3 in the 2024 season. Noting that he still has strong years ahead of him at 27.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Rachaad White potentially linked to Minnesota Vikings
White was ranked No. 9 in the top 2026 NFL free agency market. The upside of signing him is that he has taken care of his fumble problem because that’s his downside [three fumbles each in the first three seasons]. But the yards-per-attempt jump signals a hopeful future.Even in 2025, he maintained the average yards per carry at 4.3, so he is entering a solid-level running back category [4.0 to 4.5]. Even San Francisco 49ers top-tier back Christian McCaffrey started at 3.7 in 2017 and then jumped to 5.4 in 2023.White’s PFF rushing grade is 87.2, and he ranks No. 4 among qualified backs in 2025. Gagnon lists the RB suitable for the Dallas Cowboys [evaluation of 2025 rookie Jaydon Blue’s still on], Kansas City Chiefs [Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are unrestricted free agents],Minnesota Vikings [Ham retiring and Jones leaving], and Houston Texans [well, they just acquired top-level back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, making it doubtful how a Buccaneers running back would fit there, maybe for RB No. 2, only speculation].
Vikings potential running back Rachaad White projected at $12 million
Anyhow, Gagnon predicts a two-year, $12 million contract for Arizona State alumnus. While The Athletic’s Daniel Popper predicts a two-year contract worth $11 million. Either way, Minnesota’s release of Jones leaves approximately $7.75 million cap space.And, the Vikings have nearabout $44.5 million over the NFL’s allotted $301.2 million salary cap. So, these financial dynamics may suit White and the franchise. Heavy Sports’ Dave Holcomb reports that adding White could give the Vikings a much-needed running back depth at a low price.
Rachaad White stats
Now, how valuable is White to the Vikings? Popper ranks Tampa Bay RB as the No. 5 free agent this offseason. In 2023, he recorded 990 rushing yards with 64 receptions and 549 receiving yards.In 2024, he posted more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage with nine total touchdowns. However, in 2025, he ran for 572 yards on 132 carries and had a career-low 172 touches. But his yards per attempt remained steady at 4.3.