Tampa Bay Buccaneers $4M running back linked to CJ Stroud’s Houston Texans (Image via Getty: CJ Stroud and Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo)
Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton suggests an interesting trade package for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the CJ Stroud-led Houston Texans: the Buccaneers receive a 2026 second-round pick, a 2026 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick while the Texans receive solid running back Bucky Irving.Why? Tampa Bay signed Kenneth Gainwell after he achieved career-high records with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Irving suffered shoulder and foot injuries, limiting him to just 10 games in 2025.On the other side of the gridiron, Houston released veteran Joe Mixon and parted ways with veteran Nick Chubb. They did sign Detroit Lions top back David Montgomery. But Montgomery may be taking the RB1 spot. RB2 spot will likely be filled by Woody Marks.
So, where would Irving fit? Let’s find out.
NFL Trade Rumors : Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving tied to CJ Stroud ’s Texans
Patrick McGrath of RotoBaller projects Texans 2025 draft pick Woody Marks to take up complementary role in 2026. Houston has newly added Montgomery via trade with Detroit.Marks handled over 230 carries in his rookie campaign, though with reduced workload, he may not see another 200 carries in his Year 2. But Marks may see a boost in his passing game. Montgomery could handle the bulk of carries, and Marks could settle as a third-down receiver. Now, this was an in-house Houston situation; where does Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving fit here? Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton reports that Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, while Chubb was “largely inefficient at an inconsistent role.”
The Texans may find a long-term solution in Irving. He could be the missing link they need to bring back their 2023 offense. They ranked 12th overall in total offense, averaging 342.4 yards per game.
Bucky Irving stats
As for Buccaneers RB’s stats: he recorded 173 carries for 588 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with 30 passes on 33 targets for 277 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 10 games in 2025.He received an overall PFF grade of 67.8 for 2025, ranking 43rd among 55 qualified RBs.
His PFF rushing grade was 69.2, ranking 49th among others.
Kenneth Gainwell could be the RB1 in Buccaneers
Ellis Bryn Johnson of FantasyPros suggests that Irving is undersized [5-foot-10, 195-pounder] and has a history of missing games. This could raise concerns about his capability to handle the workload in Tampa Bay.Baker Mayfield’s franchise signed RB and kick turner Kenneth Gainwell, who secured the fourth-most receptions at his position in 2025 [1000-plus yards with Pittsburgh].
If Irving were to miss games, Gainwell could be the primary RB in 2026.If Gainwell becomes RB1, it could leave Houston with even more reason to acquire Irving. However, Montgomery would be the primary RB in Houston. So that would make Irving a breakout star alongside an established, high-end veteran running back? All speculation.
Bucky Irving comeback via trade with Texans
Hutton suggests Irving could make a comeback with a trade. Assuming the Buccaneers want to extend him post-2027, the front office would rather save the money and reinvest it in other long-term roster needs.The Oregon alum signed a four-year, $4.75M rookie contract with Tampa Bay in 2024. He is scheduled to earn a $1M base salary while carrying a $1.2M cap hit and a $365K dead cap value in 2026.
RB Bucky Irving tradable asset in Tampa Bay after Chris Godwin
Jack McKassey of USA Today suggests Irving could be traded on draft day. It could have been veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin, but his large 2026 cap hit prevents him from being a trade asset.Leaving Irving to be the one likely to be traded. He had an excellent rookie season: 207 carries for 1,122 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns with 47 receptions for 392 receiving yards across 17 games in 2024.But in 2025, he missed 7 games due to injuries and did not return to the same level of production when healthy.The Buccaneers let Rachaad White go in free agency, but they could still strengthen their RB room with another option in the draft. Trading Irving could give them draft picks to help them build their offensive line.So, would the Texans consider this trade package? Only time will tell…
