Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Devin White shocked fans with his request for a trade this week. White, who was drafted fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, has been an integral part of the Buccaneers’ defensive unit since his arrival.
He quickly established himself as one of the team’s leaders, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections in just his second season and helping lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
White is coming off his fourth season, in which he finished with 122 tackles and 5.5 sacks. White has one more year left on his contract with the Buccaneers after they picked up his fifth-year option and is due to make 11.7 million this upcoming season. White is currently in negotiations with the Tampa Bay front office on a contract extension.
White’s request for a trade comes as a surprise to many, as the 25-year-old was seen to have a bright future with the Buccaneers. According to Adam Schefter, sources say the request has to do with frustrations around current contract negotiations. White, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, wants an extension that matches the recent contracts of other top linebackers in the NFL.
The Buccaneers have yet to respond to White’s request and it remains unclear how the team will proceed with one of its young cornerstones. I doubt the Buccaneers trade him as he is one of the core pieces that will see Tampa Bay through their current rebuild, but it is uncertain what their response will be.
I expect frustrations to continue from White’s camp as the Buccaneers may not be able to accommodate his contract exceptions while also only cap troubles for the foreseeable future. I don’t think White will be traded and he may have to accept the Buccaneers’ offer. The reality is that, apart from his strong 2020 season which was aided by a good defense, he hasn’t performed at the same level since.
He hasn’t come close to the 140 tackles and nine sacks he recorded two years ago and the Buccaneers will likely use this to show him why he isn’t worth the amount of money he’s asking for, and why other teams in the league won’t offer him the same pay.
