Devin White has found a new team, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
The former Bucs inside linebacker signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.
White has spent the past five years in Tampa Bay since the team selected him fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
White racked up a ton of stats in Tampa Bay and was a lightning rod among fans. His 23 sacks over the past five years are more than any other off-ball linebacker in the league, and he increased that number even further. 566 tackles, 40 tackles for loss.
However, coverage issues, inconsistency in downhill run plays and getting off the blocks, and some concerns about effort levels on a play-in and play-out basis led to him being rated by both fans and team officials. It became equally unpopular.
Devin White achieves his dream – playing for the Eagles
Devin White’s athleticism led to him being drafted by the Bucs over other highly touted players such as pass rushers Josh Allen, Rashan Gary, Brian Barnes and tight end TJ Hockenson. He became the top draft candidate in 2016. White had publicly stated during the pre-draft process that he would aim to become the first inside linebacker to earn a $100 million contract (after his rookie contract expires), so he is confident in his abilities. had.
Bucs ILBs Devin White and KJ Britt – Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In a way, he reiterated that hope last offseason when the Bucks opted to let him play out his fifth-year option rather than negotiate a long-term extension with him. Requesting a trade. White expressed interest in joining the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason. Now he will make his wish come true. The Bucks have defeated the Eagles twice in the playoffs since 2021.
White ultimately withdrew his trade request, but his inconsistent play will continue into 2023. While he missed three games due to injury, he set a career low in tackles (83), had 2.5 sacks, six passes defensed, and one interception.
White will be benched late in the season and forced to share time with 2021 fifth-round pick KJ Britt. This puts the writing on the wall that White and the Bucks are headed for a split this offseason. The writing is now filled in with a permanent marker.
Due to his ending in Tampa Bay, White was forced to restore his value by taking a cheaper one-year demonstration contract in hopes of getting the big contract he’s been eyeing since leaving LSU.
