2021 Pro Bowl Linebacker Resigns with Tampa Bay
After having asked for a trade from the Buccaneers last offseason due to not being able to agree to a contract extension, Super Bowl LV Champion linebacker Devin White has signed a two-year nine million dollar deal back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. this offseason. Despite having a dip in performance during the 2023-24 season, White remains a top-of-the-line linebacker that can have a formidable impact on his team’s defensive performance. In his five-year NFL career, White has become known for his sharp football instincts, athleticism, and relentless pursuit of tackling. Following his free agent signing with the Bucs, White will now have the opportunity to get back to his productive ways.
Prior to his NFL career, White played three seasons at LSU, where he became one of the best-tackling linebackers in the SEC. In his sophomore season, White led the SEC in tackles with 133 and was the fourth most in LSU team history for a single season. He made SEC history by becoming the first player to win four consecutive Defensive Player of the Week awards in a single season in 2017. White made the decision after his junior year to skip his senior year and declare for the draft. In his three seasons, White had 286 total tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one pick and four forced fumbles. During his five seasons with the Bucs, White recorded 566 total tackles, 23 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions.
Last season, White entered his fifth-year option season with no contract extension agreed to with Tampa. During the season, White dealt with lingering foot and groin injuries that limited his productivity for the Buccaneers. In 14 games played, White tallied 83 total tackles, two and a half sacks, and two interceptions. In a Week Three loss against the Eagles, White would have his best performance of the season where he recorded seven total tackles and one interception. Entering the 2024-25 season, there is little doubt that this explosive force at linebacker has many more great years ahead of him.
