When healthy, Tre’Davious White is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. A shutdown corner, educated in the LSU school of pass defending, White perpetuates the school’s long legacy of sending top DBs to the league.
A pillar of the Bills’ newfound success in the 21st century, White helped bring forth Buffalo’s best run of success since the team’s run to four straight Super Bowls in the 90s.
However, that was then and this is now. And now the Rams have committed at least $8.5 million to an injury-plagued player who has missed multiple games in four straight years.
White’s injuries are a massive point of concern. White hasn’t played a full year since 2018 and has suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles tendon in 2023.
For a team that doesn’t have an established CB1, giving that job to White is a risky gamble. For one, we haven’t seen White play since Week 4 of last season nor do we know how the injury has affected him. White’s history with lower body injuries, combined with his seven years of NFL experience also calls into question his durability.
I am a believer that the best ability is availability and White has yet to prove that he can stay healthy for a whole year. For a first-time defensive coordinator, consistency is key and the Rams need it if Chris Shula is expected to make an impact in Year 1.
However, White’s situation isn’t all that bleak. Rams insider George Lopez has this to say about the former All-Pro.
“If Tre’Davious White can stay healthy, it’s a steal of a signing for the Rams. He’s a top CB and will not only strengthen the Rams secondary but will also provide leadership to the younger DBs on the Rams”
And perhaps that is where the key in this signing is. Everyone, including myself, has been so hyper-focused on White’s on-field play that his off-field impact has not been given the attention it deserves. With a young DB room full of talent and some expected additions in the NFL draft, White’s role will extend to the classroom.
As Cooper Kupp did for Puka Nacua, White’s insight and experience could lift the DB room as a whole. Since he was drafted in 2017, the Bills have only missed the playoffs once. They previously missed the playoffs in 17 straight seasons.
While the price tag is a bit high for a player with a history like White, his impact on the youth will outlive his tenure with the team. For a squad with championship aspirations, perhaps the calm of a veteran presence like White is what will guide the Rams through the storm.