On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
With free agency approaching, the Buccaneers have key decisions to make with several pending free agents. Linebacker Devin White is set to see his contract expire, but a new Tampa Bay agreement should not be expected.
The former fifth overall pick sought a massive extension last offseason, and he requested a trade when talks did not yield an agreement. Little interest was shown around the league, and White ultimately played out the 2023 campaign. He found himself splitting time with K.J. Britt down the stretch, and he did not start either of the Bucs’ postseason contests. A departure in free agency would come as no surprise at this point.
“No, we’re still trying to make some decisions on some of those other players,” general manager Jason Licht said at the combine, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “But, you know, Devin did some really good things for us throughout his career, but we’re still sorting out some things.”
Indeed, the cases of quarterback Baker Mayfield, receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. are more pressing for Licht and Co. at the moment. The latter is likely to receive the franchise tag, while talks with Mayfield are underway. Evans is the likeliest member of the trio to reach the open market, but a new Tampa deal is still very much on the team’s radar. The same is also true of linebacker Lavonte David, who plans to either continue his storied Tampa Bay career or hang up his cleats.
Especially if David were to agree to another one-year deal, the Bucs could move forward with he, Britt and 2023 fifth-rounder SirVocea Dennis at the linebacker spot. Britt racked up 15 tackles in the playoffs while holding a first-team role, something which initially took place after White was cleared to return to the lineup in December but did not immediately suit up. A lingering foot injury was at the heart of the issue, but reports indicated the former Pro Bowler declined to play upon learning he would be relegated to backup duties. Head coach Todd Bowles pushed back on that notion, and a rotation ensued the rest of the way.
White, 26, would still be one of the more intriguing linebackers on the market given his age and production. He has totaled 566 tackles, 23 sacks and six forced fumbles in five years with Tampa Bay, although his play has not reflected well with respect to PFF grades. Looking to earn back a full-time starting gig, White is on track to find himself with a new team in 2024, and the interest he commands as a free agent will be worth monitoring.
More must-reads:
- Bears GM speaks out after superstar goes down with injury
- Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Blue Jays Announce Alejandro Kirk News After Leaving Tigers Game
The Toronto Blue Jays have sole possession of the AL's first seed, and it's partially because of catcher Alejandro Kirk's breakout campaign. The 26-year-old is slashing .304/.361/.413 with seven homers and 47 RBI over 88 games. Kirk's batting average ranked seventh in baseball entering the game and is 33 points above his career average. The 5-foot-8-inch, 245-pounder slashed .253/.319/.359 with one homer and five RBI over 103 games last season. He then signed a five-year, $58 million extension with Toronto this past March. Kirk left Saturday's bout with the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning with an injury, via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. "The Blue Jays’ All-Star catcher left Saturday’s game against the Tigers in the fourth after taking a foul tip off the mask in the inning prior," he reported. "The club is expected to share an update, but Kirk finished that inning before he was pinch-hit for. Kirk has been incredibly durable on top of his great numbers this season, but beyond him, the Blue Jays’ catching depth is thin." Toronto manager John Schneider said postgame that Alejandro Kirk is being evaluated for a concussion, via Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. The Blue Jays' only backup catcher is Tyler Heineman, who subbed in for Kirk on Saturday. Heineman entered Saturday slashing .330/.394/.495 with three homers and 16 RBI over 37 games. Toronto is now on a four-game winning streak and 6.5 games ahead of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East after Saturday's 6-1 win. It is also 2.5 games ahead of the Houston Astros and 3.5 games ahead of the Tigers for the AL's top seed.
Lakers Consulted Luka Doncic About Trade for Big Man
The Los Angeles Lakers won big when they acquired five-time NBA All-Star Luka Doncic in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February. But they also lost Anthony Davis in the process, which left them without a center for the rest of the season. Shortly after landing Doncic, the Lakers reportedly consulted him about a trade deal involving Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams, whom Doncic had requested to play with, per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst. More news: 3 Players Lakers Should Have Signed to BAE Instead of Marcus Smart The Hornets had accepted the Lakers’ offer that would give them Dalton Knecht, who was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick in exchange for Williams. However, the Lakers ultimately rescinded the trade deal after Williams reportedly failed his physical examination. Both Williams and his agent Jeff Schwartz do not believe William’s physical was the sole reason Los Angeles chose to cancel the trade. "I don't think it was solely because of my physical," Williams said to ESPN. "I felt like I could have contributed to them. But, obviously, they had second thoughts." Although Doncic and Williams had never played together, Doncic had selected the 7-foot center out of a list of potential trade targets for the Lakers. More news: Former Lakers Star Shaquille O’Neal on NBA All-Star — ‘I F---ing Hate’ Him Los Angeles was unable to acquire a dominant center after rescinding their deal with the Hornets. It ultimately came back to hurt them when they were eliminated in the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs for the second season in a row. Williams averaged 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 44 regular season games with Charlotte. He played against the Lakers shortly after the cancelled trade and put up 10 points, nine rebounds and two assists across 29 minutes to help the Hornets defeat the Lakers 100-97. He was later traded to the Phoenix Suns on the night of the 2025 NBA Draft. The Lakers never commented on the claims that their decision to rescind their offer for Williams was due to anything more than a failed physical. But regardless of the reason why Los Angeles opted against Williams, the Lakers have finally signed a center for the next two seasons. 7-footer Deandre Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers at the beginning of July. More news: Massive 5-Team Blockbuster Trade Sees Lakers' LeBron James Shipped for $238 Million All-Star For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
