Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has become a staple in head coach Todd Bowles’s offense. He rose from sharing the backfield to becoming the bellcow back behind quarterback Baker Mayfield.
At this rate, he’s bound to secure a lucrative contract once his rookie deal expires.
How Much Money Does Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving Make?
The 23-year-old Irving is in his second year out of Oregon after getting drafted in the fourth round last year. Upon being drafted, he signed a 4-year deal worth $4,751,552, with an average salary of $1,187,888, a signing bonus of $731,552, and a total guarantee of $731,552.
While he’s set to become a free agent in 2028, he’s earning $968,820 in cash this season, with a cap hit of $1,151,708.
His consistency on the field has served him well, raking in $2,495,372 across his short career so far. However, it hasn’t been all clean profit for the young back, as he suffered a slight loss last week.
During the Bucs’ 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium in Week 13, Irving made an “obscene gesture” against Arizona. The NFL took action against him by fining him $6,349Â — luckily, his only fine to date.
Irving Hasn’t Had a Healthy Run This Season
In addition to being fined by the league, the running back struggled with his health for an extended period.
After the Bucs’ Week 4 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, Irving missed the following seven games due to foot and shoulder injuries. The team went 3-4 during that span and has yet to regain the strong form that saw it go 6-2 at the start of the campaign, despite Irving’s return to action in Week 13.
As for himself, he has also yet to regain his impressive rookie-season form.
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Last year, he recorded 207 carries for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging over five yards per run. This year, however, he’s not even averaging four yards per rushing attempt. On 103 carries, he’s only totaled 353 yards and one score.
On the other hand, there’s an argument to be made that his falling rushing numbers are the result of schematic changes in offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard’s strategy. Grizzard took over from Liam Coen this year, as Coen was hired as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Irving’s receiving numbers, meanwhile, improved from last season. While he averaged 8.3 yards per catch and no touchdowns in 2024, he’s booking 10.4 this year in addition to three touchdowns.
It’ll be interesting to see how the youngster’s career evolves with Tampa, and whether the franchise’ll retain him once his rookie deal expires.
