Raiders Named Free Agent Fit For Former Pro Bowl Linebacker

You would figure the Las Vegas Raiders would prioritize the linebacker position given the fact that new head coach Antonio Pierce was a fine linebacker during his playing days, as well.

The Raiders could use another piece in their linebacking corps heading into 2024, which is why Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus sees them as a great fit for Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Devin White.

White is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played 14 games and logged 83 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a couple of interceptions and six passes defended in what was somewhat of a down year for him.

The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at LSU, was selected by the Buccaneers with the fifth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.

White got off to an impressive start, registering 91 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a pick, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a pair of defensive touchdowns during his rookie campaign.

Then, the following season, White racked up 140 tackles, nine sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Somehow, he didn’t make the Pro Bowl, but he did earn a Second-Team All-Pro selection.

White actually made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2021 after rattling off 128 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He posted similar numbers in 2022, posting 124 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and five passes defended.

It should also be noted that Raiders linebackers coach Mike Caldwell was Tampa Bay’s inside linebackers coach for the first three seasons of White’s career, so there is familiarity there.

Plus, with the Bucs dedicating a whole lot of money to wide receiver Mike Evans and probably quarterback Baker Mayfield, there may not be enough to re-sign White.

That should open the door for a squad like Las Vegas to snatch White away.

We’ll see if the Raiders make a play for White in the coming weeks.