Are Devin White’s cryptic social media posts hinting at departure from Bucs?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could save some much-needed salary cap space by trading their defensive captain before his rookie deal is up

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing a challenging offseason full of big questions, thanks to a long list of free agents, and a daunting salary cap situation.

While the team is expected to cut fan favorites like Leonard Fournette and Cameron Brate, one potential move hiding under the radar would be trading Pro Bowl linebacker and team captain Devin White.

White is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, a fifth option year thanks to being a first-round pick. If the Bucs were to trade him, it would save them more than $11 million in cap space this season, with no dead money. It would also create another big hole on the depth chart, but if the Bucs keep him, they’ll have to sign him to a long-term contract extension that could average more than $20 million per season.

White’s Instagram stories included some cryptic posts Monday morning that might be hinting at such a move:

White quickly responded to the speculation on social media, and Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times squashed any chance of a rumor starting, as well:

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has been vocal in his support of White, even through some inconsistent play throughout his tenure with the team. Given their close relationship, it’s hard to imagine Bowles being on board with such a move, even if it makes sense to the front office.

White is still just 25 years old, so the Bucs could get a healthy return for a player that still has plenty of promise, while saving some much-needed cap space.

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