Arizona wasn’t alone. Tampa Bay and Washington also attempted to claim Michael Carter, but AZ had priority. https://t.co/TgeffkGhEP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2023
The Tampa Bay Buccanneers tried to get some help for their woeful running game, but the waiver claim system denied them the opportunity.
The New York Jets released veteran running back Michael Carter a few days ago, and when waiver claims came in on Wednesday, he was awarded to the Arizona Cardinals. But the Cardinals weren’t the only team that tried to claim him, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport — the Washington Commanders and the Bucs attempted to claim his as well but were lower than Arizona in the waiver order.
The Bucs could certainly have used the help. Outside of lead back Rachaad White, the rest of Tampa Bay’s running backs — Chase Edmonds, Sean Tucker and Ke’Shawn Vaughn — have combined for an abysmal 94 yards on 53 carries, or 1.7 yards per carry. With that in mind, the team could have used a veteran presence to shake things up, and it tried to do so but was denied.
Carter has only had eight carries this year but has 38 yards for 4.8 yards per attempt. His best season came in 2021, when he ran for 639 yards and four touchdowns.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5]