Earlier this month, a report surfaced about Rueben Bain’s involvement in a fatal vehicular collision in March 2024. The Bucs were not caught off guard by the news, having done their homework on the University of Miami edge rusher.
Tampa Bay drafted Bain 15th overall on Thursday.
“We’ve known about this for a long time. I know it just came out a couple of weeks ago,” Bucs General Manager Jason Licht said, via Jenna Laine of ESPN. “It was a very tragic accident, tragic experience for the family, and it’s something you never want to see happen. But he’s a good person. He was involved in something that none of us ever want to be involved in or want any of our loved ones to be involved in. But he loves football. He loves football.”
Bain was driving on I-95 in Miami at 4 a.m. on March 17, 2024, when his Land Rover SUV rear-ended another car and slammed into concrete barriers. One of his three passengers, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, was in a coma for nearly three months before dying.
Bain was cited at the time of the incident, but charges were dropped before Betts’ death.
The crash became public knowledge on April 12. The story by The Read Optional included a statement by the Betts’ family, calling it a “tragic accident” and wishing “Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”
Bain was asked what the past two weeks have been like after the wreck became public.
“Yeah, you know everything has its ups and downs, but I just try to make everything simple as it could possibly be,” Bain said. “Try to prioritize whatever I prioritize in the moment. And right now, that’s just football and making sure I can just really make it as a main priority for me.”
Bain, at No. 15 overall, is the highest-drafted edge rusher the Bucs have selected since Licht became General Manager in 2014.
University of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was one of the most productive players in the country last season. His 30 7/8-inch arm length scared off some teams.
It did not scare off the Buccaneers, who ended up with a player who could prove a steal.
Tampa Bay used the 15th overall pick on Bain, who made 9.5 sacks for the Hurricanes last season and 20.5 for his three-year career.
The Buccaneers badly needed help at the position.
Yaya Diaby led them in sacks in 2025 with only seven, and Shaquil Barrett’s 10 sacks in 2021 was the last time the Bucs had a double-digit sacks leader.
Running back Sean Tucker is back on the roster in Tampa Bay.
The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that Tucker re-signed with the team on Monday. Tucker was tendered as a restricted free agent earlier in the offseason, but did not sign an offer sheet with another team.
Tucker will make $3.52 million under the terms of the tender offer.
Tucker signed with the Bucs after going undrafted out of Syracuse in 2023 and he has appeared in 45 games over the last three seasons. He had career highs with 86 carries, 320 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns during the 2025 season.
Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell will also be part of the backfield mix in Tampa this season.
The NFL has announced the names of the current and former players that will take part in next week’s draft by announcing second-round picks.
The list includes players associated with all 32 teams, including Cardinals running back James Conner. Conner has strong ties to the Pittsburgh area after playing for the Steelers and attending Pitt, which likely made him an easy choice as the Cardinals’ representative.
Former Bears tackle Jimbo Covert, former Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett, former Chiefs defensive lineman Bill Maas, current Vikings tackle Brian O’Neill, former Jets running back Curtis Martin, and former 49ers punter Andy Lee are other Pitt alums who are set to take part.
The hometown team will be represented by four players. Former Steelers Jerome Bettis and John Stallworth will be joined by Joey Porter Sr. and Jr. next Friday.
The other players taking part and their team affiliations appear below:
Falcons: Michael Turner
Ravens: Mark Ingram
Bills: Shane Conlan
Panthers: Jake Delhomme
Bengals: Ken Anderson
Browns: Phil Dawson
Cowboys: Drew Pearson
Broncos: T.J. Ward
Lions: Calvin Johnson
Packers: John Kuhn
Texans: Billy Miller
Colts: Pat McAfee
Jaguars: Paul Posluszny
Raiders: Matt Millen
Chargers: Shawne Merriman
Rams: Tavon Austin
Dolphins: Dwight Stephenson
Patriots: Deion Branch
Saints: Marques Colston
Giants: Osi Umenyiora
Eagles: Brian Westbrook
Seahawks: Cliff Avril
Buccaneers: Ronde Barber
Titans: Jeffery Simmons
Commanders: Mark Rypien
Raymond James Stadium opened in 1998. At a time when at least one younger NFL stadium is being replaced (Cleveland), the Buccaneers are trying to get their 28-year-old building renovated.
Via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, team officials have met with the Tampa Sports Authority to discuss the project.
“I can confirm that we met recently with the Tampa Sports Authority, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa to discuss developing a long-term plan that supports the stadium’s ability to continue hosting major events which contribute to the success of our region,” Bucs chief operating officer Brian Ford said in a statement issued to the Times. “As Raymond James Stadium enters its 29th year, our goal is to ensure it remains a competitive premier sports and entertainment venue for the Tampa Bay community well into the future.”
The venue has hosted three Super Bowls. Absent a major renovation, it could be hard to get a fourth.
The Buccaneers face a deadline of January 31, 2027, to exercise an option to extend the lease at the facility for five more years.
The conversations have commenced at a time when the local baseball team hopes to build a $2.3 billion new stadium across the street from the football stadium.
The parties reportedly did not discuss the cost of a significant overhaul. It’s believed to approach if not exceed $1 billion. It also could require the Buccaneers to play a season in Orlando or elsewhere while the upgrades are made.
