The NFL's regular season is over, which for most teams, means it's time to start figuring out plans for the offseason.
NFL free agency is a huge part of the process, and along with the NFL Draft, it has everyone preparing for what should be a very active couple of months.
We've officially come up with our own contract projections for the NFL's top free agents that include context behind each player's 2023 season, the likelihood of a franchise tag, the projection itself, and the first-year cap hit for a team that's “all-in” and is needing to reduce that first-year hit in order to maximize their cap dollars.
So, without further ado, let's check out the projection for Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Devin White.
Devin White 2024 Contract Projection
Once seeking a nine-figure contract, White will have to settle for a one-year prove it deal. With elite athleticism for his position, and with pass rushing numbers that would make some edge rushers red with envy, White has struggled in the two areas that are most important for off-ball linebackers: run defense and in coverage.
White’s tackle numbers are off the charts, having averaged over 110 during the first five years of his career. And with 141 pressures and 23 sacks there is perhaps no better blitzing linebacker in the NFL. But even in a Todd Bowles blitz-heavy scheme - that only accounts for 13% of the defensive snaps he has played in his career. As a run defender, White shows little feel or instincts which negates his explosive speed. This has led him to recording an average depth of tackle near four in each of his past three seasons. Add to that a coverage profile that finds him often overrunning his assignment or out of position, altogether.
The sum of all the parts, including reports that his locker room became frustrated with him in 2023, is a player defensive coordinators will be reluctant to count on.
- Franchise Tag Likelihood: Low
- 1 yr $7.0M, $7.0M APY, $5M GTD
- Year One Cap Hit: $4.5 million
Be sure to check back in and around the site for more projections, as we will add more in the coming days and weeks.
More must-reads: