The Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to let linebacker Devin White test free agency in early March of this year. This comes after a disgruntled White played under the fifth-year option in 2023 following a trade request due to not receiving a contract extension.
The former fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft decided to take a chance on himself, signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth up to $7.5 million. When the news initially broke, many believed the Eagles had gotten a steal of a player, as they seem to always gather the top talent available, whether it be in free agency or the draft.
Two weeks into the 2024 NFL season, things haven’t gone the way White likely thought. He missed the Eagles’ season opener in Brazil due to an ankle injury and didn’t travel with the team. White was a healthy inactive in their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Instead of starting next to Nakobe Dean, Zack Baun has overtaken the role White was supposed to have.
The Bucs have KJ Britt and rookie SirVocea Dennis rotating in next to Lavonte David. So far, White’s absence hasn’t affected the defense as much.