Raiders Hope Devin White Can Lead New Era at Linebacker

Devin White doesn’t care about outside opinions. The former Pro Bowler is focused on proving he still belongs at the top level—and the Las Vegas Raiders are giving him that chance.

White, now 27, made his name with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He helped the team win Super Bowl LV and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021. But the past few seasons haven’t been as strong. After three straight years with 120 or more tackles, his production dipped to 83 tackles in 2023. He signed with the Eagles but didn’t play a snap before being released. He later joined the Houston Texans and started just one of seven games.

Still, White believes he has more to give.

“I’ve still got goals to hit,” White said. “So [by] reaching my goals, they’ll find out, and they’ll remember.”

Rebuilding the Linebacker Room

White is one of several new faces in a completely reworked linebacker group. The Raiders lost Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo in free agency, replacing them with White, Elandon Roberts, and recently Germaine Pratt—each signed to one-year deals.

“Obviously, we’ve lost some key pieces, and we’re certainly sad to see people go,” said linebackers coach John Glenn. “but it was also an opportunity for new faces and new players to get a chance at a new beginning.”

A Personal Connection Brought Him to Vegas

White’s decision to sign with the Raiders was influenced by his relationship with general manager John Spytek. The two go back to their days in Tampa Bay, where Spytek served as the Bucs’ director of player personnel.

Before the 2019 NFL Draft, Spytek visited White in Baton Rouge and took him to dinner. That relationship remained strong through the years.

“We [have] a genuine relationship,” White said. “[His kids] used to wear my jersey and everything.”

Drafted No. 5 overall by Tampa Bay, White tallied 566 tackles, 23 sacks, and 21 pass breakups in 76 games with the Bucs.

Proving He’s Still Got It

White said he feels healthy again after dealing with a foot injury last season. He didn’t go into detail but said the issue made it hard to play at full strength.

“Some things in my foot that [were] very triggering and trying to play through it. “But now I’m able to be myself and have fun,” he added.

The Raiders need that version of White—fast, aggressive, and versatile. Glenn said White can play either middle (Mike) or weak-side (Will) linebacker and praised his athleticism in space.

“He can handle multiple things,” Glenn said. “We’re just delighted to have him around here.”

A Leader on the Field

White is already making his presence felt. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao said White and Roberts bring a calm, veteran presence to the field.

“[White has] seen it, he’s done it, and he knows what it’s supposed to look like,” Pola-Mao said. “So, having him on the field is almost like a second coach.”

During the offseason, White and Roberts were the starting linebackers in practice. But that lineup could shift now that Pratt has joined the mix.

Pratt’s Arrival Brings Competition

Pratt brings serious experience from his six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He racked up 616 tackles, 23 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, and seven interceptions in 96 games.

“Well, [Pratt is] a hard-nosed kid [who] played a lot of football, has been healthy [and] has played all of the positions to give us flexibility that really will help us,” head coach Pete Carroll said.

Pratt may end up starting at Will linebacker, a spot White filled during practice. Training camp will ultimately decide who starts—but Carroll expects to use all three.

“To put these three guys together where they’re on the field at the same time, that’s a loaded-up group,” Carroll said. “And they’re all tough and they’re all physical and they’re all downhill players, which is the style that we love to play with.”

White’s Mission: Impact and Legacy

For White, joining the Raiders is about more than just playing time. He wants to be part of something bigger.

“When the success happens, I’ll feel like I had a part in it,” he said.

The Raiders are hoping he’s right. If White returns to form, he could be the spark the defense needs.