Potential landing spots for Buccaneers star LB Devin White

Super Bowl LV champion Devin White requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday after a dispute over a contract extension arose, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Although Schefter reports the team doesn't intend to trade White, he's entering the final year of his rookie deal and will play on his $11.7M fifth-year option this season.

It's hard to imagine Tampa Bay would risk losing him without compensation.

While he's not exceptional in coverage, since being drafted fifth overall in 2019, only six players have recorded more tackles than White. Last season, the 25-year-old totaled 124 combined tackles and 5.5 sacks. 

Here are three potential fits for White should Tampa Bay decide to grant his trade request: 

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback Jalen Hurts' looming extension might make it difficult for Philadelphia to splurge on White, but it needs a linebacker after losing T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White in free agency. Plus, the All-Pro appears open to joining the defending NFC champions.

Last month, Philadelphia inked cornerback Greedy Williams to a one-year deal. Williams, White's former LSU teammate, celebrated his new contract by posting a picture of himself singing it on Instagram. The linebacker left a comment on the post, hinting at a desire to play with Williams again, writing, "Let's make it happen." 

With six picks in this month's draft, including two first-rounders (Nos. 10 and 30), Philadelphia holds valuable draft capital Tampa Bay might be interested in. However, the Eagles don't own any selections in rounds 4-6, so GM Howie Roseman must seriously assess whether investing picks for White is worth the price.

Minnesota Vikings

Last season, Minnesota found itself on the wrong side of history, becoming the first 13-win team with a negative point differential. As a result, DC Ed Donatell was dismissed and replaced by former Dolphins HC Brian Flores, whose scheme would suit White well.

White's blitzing prowess enabled him to become the first player since Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher to record at least 400 tackles and 20 sacks over their first four seasons. Flores can use this skill since during his three seasons with Miami, his team's defense ranked inside the top 11 in blitz percentage, including the second-highest rate in 2020 and 2021. 

Considering QB Aaron Rodgers is on his way out of Green Bay, the NFC North should be a two-team race between Minnesota and Detroit. The Vikings need defenders that can slow down an explosive Lions offense, ideally one who can replace LB Eric Kendricks, who became a cap casualty this offseason.

It's important to note that the Vikings are strapped for cash, sitting 32nd in cap space, though they could get by with contract restructures or by trading RB Dalvin Cook.

Detroit Lions

Speaking of the ascending Lions, they're undergoing a defensive makeover after allowing the most yards in the league last season and would benefit from an upgrade at inside linebacker.

Few teams are in a better position to make a move for White than Detroit. It has nine 2023 draft picks, including five in the top 100 and two in the second round. A package of its Day 2 selections could be enough to acquire White. 

Additionally, the Lions boast ample cap space to give White his desired extension. It holds the third-most cap space after clearing $5.2M by trading former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to Atlanta, and the well won't dry up anytime soon. According to Spotrac, Detroit projects to be inside the top eight in cap space through 2028.