Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was critical of his second-level run defense following Sunday’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants. The Seahawks own the league’s 20th-ranked run defense heading into Thursday’s primetime divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. If general manager John Schneider wants to add competition to the linebacker position next alongside Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson, a potentially intriguing opportunity just became available.
The Philadelphia Eagles released Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White from his contract earlier this week. White was deemed a poor fit for the defense despite signing a one-year contract worth $7.5 million in the offseason. Veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had been opting to start Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean at linebacker instead.
Eagles are releasing former Pro-Bowl LB Devin White. The 26-year-old White has not played in a game this season after signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia this past offseason. pic.twitter.com/QjsLZhsy6F
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2024
White was previously a five-year starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and shouldn’t be available on the open market for long. After three consecutive 100-plus tackle campaigns, White totaled 83 tackles in 14 appearances last season. Teams searching for veteran linebacker help will be attentive.
It’s worth acknowledging Pro Football Focus credited White with nine missed tackles and a lackluster run stopping grade of 30.8 last season. Defending the run has typically been a weakness for White. His PFF run-stopping grades were 29.0 and 42.6 in 2021 and 2022.
Perhaps the Seahawks should consider playing fourth-round rookie Tyrice Knight if they’re so disappointed with their linebacker play. It’s more likely that Baker and Dodson will continue receiving opportunities to improve their second-level discipline. In the meantime, Schneider could ponder adding White to the mix.
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