After negotiations on a long-term deal failed to produce an agreement, Buccaneers linebacker Devin White asked to be traded. More than two weeks after that development, Tampa Bay has yet to receive any interest on that front.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that teams have yet to make any inquiries on the availability of the former fifth overall pick. White, 25, is due to play on the fifth-year option in 2023 at a cost of $11.7M. Being under contract for only one season would, of course, make it difficult for the Buccaneers to get fair value back in a trade, but his asking price on an extension represents another obstacle.
White is reportedly seeking between $18M and $20M per season on a long-term deal, which would place him in the top five in annual compensation amongst middle linebackers. To little surprise, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht made it clear the team has no intention of moving on this offseason. That stance is easier to hold firm on in the absence of trade offers, and it is being echoed by head coach Todd Bowles.
“We got him onboard another year like Jason Licht said,” Bowles said, via Stroud. “We discussed it. We know we’re not trading him and we’ll go from there. We know it’s the offseason right now so nothing counts and we’re expecting him to be there when the season starts.”
White had another highly productive campaign in 2022 in terms of tackles (124) and sacks (5.5), but his issues with consistency and pass coverage persisted. He will still be in line for a large workload alongside veteran Lavonte David if he remains with the team in 2023, though, making him a crucial part of the team’s long-term plans. David signed a one-year deal this offseason and is approaching his age-33 season, so White is likely to be counted on to fill the void of his absence in the near future.
Tampa Bay is also entering this weekend’s draft with the need to get younger at a number of positions; trading away White would create another notable roster hole. On the other hand, the Buccaneers hold nine selections, meaning they would have several opportunities to add a rookie linebacker if an interested suitor for White were to emerge. As of now, though, that appears unlikely to take place.
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