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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro-Bowl linebacker Devin White has reportedly requested a trade, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
This news comes as a surprise to many fans of the team, as White has been an integral part of the Buccaneers’ defense since being drafted in 2019.
Two sources have told me that Bucs inside linebacker Devin White has requested a trade. Story coming.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 11, 2023
While the Bucs do not currently have any plans to trade White, the linebacker has reportedly been growing increasingly frustrated with how contract negotiations have been progressing.
White is set to play under the fifth-year option in 2023, which is worth $11.71 million. However, it appears that White is hoping for a new deal to be reached sooner rather than later.
Since being drafted in 2019, White has played in a total of 70 games for the Buccaneers, including the playoffs. He has recorded an impressive 539 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 55 quarterback hits, 3 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries.
White was named to the Pro Bowl after the 2021 season and was also a second-team All-Pro in 2020. He’s widely known for his speed, having run a blistering 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine.
If no trade can be executed, White could potentially hold out from playing.
While he has a first-round pedigree and has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the aforementioned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, White has not performed well in Pro Football Focus’ linebacker grading, despite working alongside fellow star linebacker Lavonte David.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Buccaneers will ultimately decide to trade White. If they do, it will certainly be interesting to see what kind of market develops for the talented linebacker. In the meantime, it seems that all eyes will be on Tampa Bay as the situation with White continues to unfold.