At one point in his NFL journey, Devin White was considered one of the bright young linebackers in football.
After three seasons of mediocre play and a late-season benching, though, White has had to find a new home outside the confines of the team he helped win a Super Bowl. A linebacker-needy team like the Philadelphia Eagles provided a good enough fit for a free agent contract and a potential path back to stardom that White decided was too good to pass up.
Who Is New Eagles LB Devin White?
Born in Springhill, La., White had a difficult start to his football journey. He was a four-star recruit out of North Webster High School but had several run-ins with the law.
Despite his off-the-field troubles, along with being dismissed from the All-America Game, White was able to play football at LSU where he led the SEC in tackles in just his sophomore season, becoming the first linebacker ever to be named Defensive Player of the Week four times in the same season.
He entered the 2019 NFL Draft and was selected with the fifth-overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he became the highest-drafted LSU defender since Patrick Peterson in 2011.
Devin White’s Contract Details
White signed a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. While it was far less than what the Pro Bowl linebacker was looking for just last offseason, it guarantees that he will be able to hit the open market and cash in next offseason, should he produce a solid season with Philadelphia in 2024.
While the contract can allow White to earn up to $7 million, only $3.5 million is guaranteed with $4 million fully on the books for the Birds.
While a full cap hit has not been officially announced, White is considered to be the team’s highest-paid linebacker but is paid among the lowest average annual salaries of the position.
Devin White’s Career Stats
Since being drafted with the fifth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, White was considered one of the most athletic and complete linebackers to come out in recent memory. An LSU standout, White recorded over 230 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.
He was a second-team All-Pro linebacker in 2020 while helping the Bucs win Super Bowl 55.
While he reached the Pro Bowl in Year 3 (2021), White’s play has dropped off in recent years. Questions surrounding his pass defense, tackling, and ability to listen to coaches have crept up.
KEEP READING: NFL Post-Free Agency Power RankingsÂ
It all came to a head when, months after requesting a trade after not receiving a satisfactory contract extension with Tampa Bay, White was benched in favor of K.J. Britt late in the year as the Bucs reached the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Now with the Eagles, White is determined to put a tumultuous few seasons with the Bucs in the past while playing at a high level he was once known for with the Eagles.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
