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Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White is reportedly vying to become the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that the “belief” is White is seeking to be the top paid defender at his position, though the team’s willingness to accommodate this demand remains uncertain.
White’s desire for a record-breaking contract spotlights his impressive contributions on the field.
In the 2022 season, he led the Buccaneers with 124 tackles, coupled with 16 quarterback hits, 8 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles across 17 starts.
However, Pro Football Focus awarded White a relatively modest grade of 45.5, revealing a difference in perception about his performance.
Ravens’s Roquan Smith is the highest paid ILB currently after signing a 5-year, $100 million extension this offseason. Smith received $45 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the 6’0, 237-pound linebacker has made a significant impact throughout his career.
With appearances in 68 games, including playoff contests, White boasts an tally of 539 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 59 quarterback hits, and 41 tackles for loss.
White also earned 2nd-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, solidifying his position as a standout player.
Negotiations between Devin White and the front office will determine the outcome of his demands with everything on the table.
As White seeks to redefine the compensation landscape for off-ball linebackers, the team’s stance on meeting these demands remains unclear.