There was a time not so long ago that Buccaneers’ linebacker Devin White was universally beloved by the Tampa fan base. He was the obvious heir apparent as the defensive anchor of the team behind Lavonte David. Sentiments change fast in the NFL and Devin White’s tenure in the Bay is no exception.
The Buccaneers, last week, chose to move on from former All-Pro linebacker Devin White, opting to let him enter the free agent market. White has since signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles after a 2023 season that continued a downward trend in his on field production.
Devin White was selected fifth overall in the 2019 draft. He was a major part of the Bucs’ stifling defense in 2020 when they won Super Bowl LV and made second team All-Pro that same season. The following season, White played admirably, though according to multiple reports there was a vibe between White and select teammates brewing that wasn’t conducive to a good team environment.
Thankful for 5 great years that made life time memories ???? #GeauxBucs #Blessed ???????? #SUPERBOWLLVCHAMPION ???????? pic.twitter.com/mrGk1OEqBh
— DEVIN WHITE (@DevinWhite__40) March 15, 2024
The mood between White and the Buccaneers’ front office turned from uneasy to almost confrontational entering the 2023 season after White demanded a renegotiation of his contract. White was entering the final year of his contract and after Ravens’ linebacker Patrick Queen garnered a market setting deal, White felt be also deserved to be paid “in the $100 million range”. The Bucs would not agree to the raise, thus White entered the 2023 season betting on himself, believing if he had a big year he would earn the higher APY he wanted.
Predictably, White’s play declined even moreso than it had the previous year with frustrations even spilling their way onto the field during a game against Philadelphia during the regular season. White intercepted a Jalen Hurts pass in his own territory and with an almost empty path for a walk-in defensive touchdown, he opted to trot out of bounds, a puzzling move even drawing ire from the announcers on the TV broadcast.
With the past week of huge free agency moves, the move by Devin White to Philadelphia wasn’t a shock to Tampa Bay fans. Even considering the sometimes uncomfortable chasm between he and the team this past offseason, general sentiment from fans seems to be gratitude, as he was a huge part of bringing a Championship trophy back to the Bay. White posted an emotional thank you on “X” (formerly Twitter) this weekend; thanking the team, the fans, and City of Tampa Bay for his 5 years. Hopefully, #45 can find some success in the next chapter of his NFL journey.
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