Bucks Inside linebacker Devin White will be participating in training camp starting Wednesday.
But will White actually practice?
or the white “Hold on?”
That’s when players who aren’t happy with their contract status attend mandatory events such as mini-camps and training camps to avoid fines, but miss practice.
That’s what White did at the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. He attended practice, but opted not to participate without a helmet and opted to sit on the sidelines.
Bucks coach and GM not positive about Devin White practicing at camp
Bucks head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht were each asked Tuesday morning if Devin White will be attending training camp and the team will practice Wednesday morning.
Bucks ILB Devin White and Head Coach Todd Bowles – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
“I haven’t met them all and haven’t met them yet,” Bowles said. “But I know you guys are here and Devin is here. He’s under contract. I’m not worried about next year. I’m worried about this year. I know he’s ready to play. I know he’s here. We’ll see when he comes out tomorrow.”
Bowles was lukewarm when asked if he believed White would be on the practice range.
“I’ve never spoken to him. I can’t sit here and say, ‘I spoke to Devin and he said…’ I can’t say that for anyone else,” Bowles said.
Licht said White’s position with the team this offseason remains unchanged.He has to play the fifth year option, which pays $11.706 million this season, And white has no real clout. Holding on will only prolong the next contract win, be it Tampa Bay or another team in 2024.
“It hasn’t changed since we last talked about it,” Licht said. “There’s nothing but love for Devin. I know he showed up. I know he’s here. I know he’s excited to show us and the world of the NFL.” [what] He has the ability to do so, so we’ll have to see how that plays out. I am happy that he is here. I know his team does. Devin has nothing but love. “
When Licht was asked if he expected to see White practice with the Bucks on Wednesday, when training camp begins, he was also hopeful, though not aggressive.
“You know… it’s a hypothesis,” Licht said. “I’m guessing he will. I’m guessing he’s going to be in the best position heading into the season. I’ll let it be that way.”
Devin White is medically cleared to attend camp
![Bucks Ilves Devin White and Labonte David](https://www.pewterreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/White-Devin-Lavonte-David-Bucs-MC-laugh-300x201.jpg)
Bucks ILB’s Devin White and Labonte David – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Todd Bowles basically stood in for Devin White during the mandatory minicamp, suggesting the star linebacker was not physically ready as he missed all voluntary conditioning and OTA practices. But like all players in training camp, White had to pass a physical test, and he did. And if a player passes the physical test, there shouldn’t be any reason why he can’t practice.
When asked if there was any reason to keep White out of training camp, Bowles said “no.”
Bowles and Licht haven’t answered many questions about White’s contract grievances, but fellow linebacker and team legend Labonte David had some more to say last month. Since the former LSU star was drafted in 2019, Whites teammate and coach David said he knew the vice-presidential candidate was ready to go out and win a game of football when the time came.
“His emotions ruled him to the fullest,” said David. “I know Devin wants to be here and he wants to play here. I know.”
So, will Devin White put his team signing issues aside and focus on the 2023 season and becoming a more stable linebacker worthy of a hefty salary that is estimated to be between $18 million and $20 million per season?
We’ll have to wait until Wednesday morning to find out.