Bucs Should Not Re-Sign Devin White
November 26th, 2023
It’s over.
Look, Joe will always have a soft spot for Bucs inside linebacker Devin White for what he did for the Bucs. But that’s old history.
The current status of White? He’s maybe an average linebacker. Maybe. Former Bucs guard Ian Beckles has mentioned White is playing like a clone of Kwon Alexander. That’s a pretty good analysis.
Three years ago White was a total animal. In the playoffs that year, White played as well as any linebacker has ever played. He had a postseason for the ages.
Now his time has come. In a contract year, after bellyaching this offseason for a trade because the Bucs weren’t going to break the bank for him, it’s time to move on. Play these next six games and ride one of your horses into the sunset.
White isn’t worth near the Team Glazer loot he thinks he is. And Joe guesses most NFL teams will value White the same way.
With Bucs legend Lavonte David out and White being offered the opportunity today to show, facing a backup quarterback, that he can carry David’s torch and what the future of the Bucs defense could look like, well, that window into the future is a Bucs defense better off without White.
He played terribly today. He had seven tackles, eh, OK. But three defensive backs had more. Carlton Davis and Antoine Winfield each with 10, Zyon McCollum (!) with nine.
White did have one quarterback hit.
All game long White was getting owned by Colts offensive linemen. Dude cannot shed a block.
The worst thing Joe saw was in the second quarter when White, inside the Bucs-5, got clowned by backup Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew on a two-yard run. White barely got a hand on him despite moving right in front of Minshew to put himself in position to tackle Minshew.
It’s one thing to get juked out of your horseshoes by Pat Mahomes for a touchdown pass when any other linebacker would have had a sack. Remember that play from last year?
Hey, it’s Mahomes. Joe forgave and forgot (mostly). Mahomes is one of the greatest.
But Minshew? No. 5 overall draft picks who are 25 years old shouldn’t be getting abused like White is.
Naw, man, it’s over. Your Bucs days are done, or will be in six weeks.
And no, Joe doesn’t want to see White woofin’ with teammates at midfield before almost every game — when his teammates gather in a circle and listen to him run smack. Dudes who cannot back up their talk look like fools, not leaders.
Thank you Devin White for helping the Bucs get the franchise’s second Super Bowl. But that glorious moment is history. And so should be your Bucs days.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:27 pm
yeah…smh
November 26th, 2023 at 5:28 pm
Thank you Captain OBVIOUS!!!
They should also let 31 year old Mike Evans test the free agent market.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:28 pm
So disappointed…looks like a shadow of his former self…..,and we get nothing for him….held onto him for Bowles & Bowles has failed miserably
November 26th, 2023 at 5:29 pm
Yup
November 26th, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Agree with you Joe, but Le me add the following…..On his way out, please take Carlton Davis hand and take him with you!
November 26th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Should of traded him when he wanted to.
Maybe we could of got a nice case of beer for him.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
And the choir says, “Amen!”
November 26th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Todd thinks he is a star, doesn’t that say everything….
November 26th, 2023 at 5:33 pm
Should have traded him last summer when he requested one.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:35 pm
White should get the same treatment that VH3 got when he decided not to tackle somebody, for whatever reason…He should be cut this week. Why didn’t White TRY to tackle Minshew? It hurts the integrity of the game, IMHO.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:35 pm
Amen.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:37 pm
His technique is horrible, tackles way too high and is always duked. He will go to another team get coached up right and soon be back to a league force, AIN’T gonna happen under Bowles. BA must be hiding his head.in the sand these days for it was him and only him that sabotaged this team putting the dipshat in charge.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:38 pm
It definitely is sad. I get that he is playing through injury, but that is part of the game. He seems mentally weak and unmotivated.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:39 pm
How hurt is White Joe? If he is paying the way he is because of being hurt, then sit him on the bench until he is better. If he is not hurt, then rip that C off his chest and give it to someone else. He looks hurt to me.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:42 pm
Joe, can we trade JTS for a case of Big Storm Wavemaker and a couple of pounds Bromosa Buffalo Wings?
November 26th, 2023 at 5:43 pm
Joe spoke with him and will have more later. But man, if you’re that hurt you cannot make simple plays or shed a block, get the hell off the field and get healed up.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:44 pm
Shouldn’t sign him? At this point I’d bench his a$$. Looks horrible anymore. He can’t even tackle anymore.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:45 pm
Hey, he had a sack today!
November 26th, 2023 at 5:46 pm
Selfish player which is typical of today’s athlete but he isn’t half the player he thinks he is. Ride your horsie out of town #45.
November 26th, 2023 at 5:50 pm
Josh Allen EDGE was chosen at pick 7 and that is one of the reasons I criticize Jason Licht
November 26th, 2023 at 6:02 pm
Devon White is to the Bucs Defense = Jameis Winston was to Bucs offense.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:03 pm
I surely hope the Bucs don’t pursue him with less money. The dude has lost his mojo!!! Not even 5 mi$ per year. Not worth it
November 26th, 2023 at 6:06 pm
Lately I’ve thought he should have been an outside LB in the 3/4 defense where he can go after the QB on every passing down. His speed is not a question and he doesn’t have too many responsibilities like he does at ILB. His pass coverage skills aren’t very good. It’s time to rebuild and letting him walk may mean a compensatory pick.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:11 pm
Agreed DW45 is the Winston of the defense. Time to move on. But marine buc why in the hell would you get rid of ME13 sorry but that’s not smart. Any QB you bring in or keep baker ME13 will be a tremendous help for them. He’s our best OFFENSIVE PLAYER IN FRANCHISE HISTORY AND YOU WANT TO LET HIM GO. COME ON MAN
November 26th, 2023 at 6:12 pm
another blue licht special pick
November 26th, 2023 at 6:13 pm
When one of the team captains request a trade, that tells you that Bowles had no control of the locker room. Licht should have traded him for peanuts. These players are dumb and entitled. Unfortunately, the coaches are equally as incompetent.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:21 pm
He’s a head case and not really bright enough to play inside (in terms of elevating those around you). He’s still pouting. I agree with NE and DaPostman, he will walk, get coached up and moved to edge where he’ll excel for a yr or 2 until his contract comes up and he gets in his head again.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:21 pm
Call me crazy but I am glad this happened this year and not next year, after the Bucs have white a huge contract.
Face it, I know the Bucs are not “out of it” when it comes to playoffs but do you really think this team can pull out of this mess and become a playoff team? I would bet my life savings that it would be a HELL NO!
It is almost time for the Bucs to start to see what other players have, trask included, to put together tape for the next coaching staff. Hey, at least it’s the end of November when we talk about this. It used to be in the beginning of November haha
But white with 100 rushing today. 6.7 average. It was a fluke but the numbers still look good.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:30 pm
He plays while wearing skates…
November 26th, 2023 at 6:32 pm
Agreed
November 26th, 2023 at 6:35 pm
His tape shows another Kwon. Good luck getting his money. Bye Devin
November 26th, 2023 at 6:43 pm
DWhite is trash. Throw him out.
November 26th, 2023 at 6:50 pm
Bucks who “probably won’t be bucks next year” ..Devin White, Jamel Dean, probably Shaquille Barett, maybe JTS ( SHOULD BE GONE) And because our team was more talented and less hungry..a good chance Todd Bowles is gone. We should have won today. Defense looks awful by our standards.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
The downfall of 45 has been sad to watch.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
Clueless Licht should’ve traded him along with Evans at the deadline.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
Breaking News……..Water is WET!
November 26th, 2023 at 7:11 pm
I preface my remarks by saying I love ME13. He is still an above average receiver. He is also the best receiver the Bucs have ever had. I appreciate his work ethic as well as his commitment to the community.
However, with that said, we can’t commit a ton of money to this guy. He’ll come back for a 1 day contract, retire as a Buc and go into the HOF as a Buc. He is not worth what he thinks he is, and another team will overpay for him.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:11 pm
Joe Says:
November 26th, 2023 at 5:43 pm
How hurt is White Joe?
Joe spoke with him and will have more later. But man, if you’re that hurt you cannot make simple plays or shed a block, get the hell off the field and get healed up.
————-
He looked slow today, which is not something you ever really see out of him, as his mistakes normally come from playing too fast and over running stuff.
But Baker is getting an MRI, it is claimed he can barely walk (according to ESPN), and yet he’s showing gumpson by going out and playing injured and costing the team the game.
Amazing double standard – not necessarily by Joe, but by the people commenting.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:15 pm
Didn’t read past the title. The fact this needs to be published right now is ridiculous
November 26th, 2023 at 7:20 pm
So maybe he’s playing hurt. I can’t wreck a guy who helped deliver a ring. Its possible his career has run its course and he is just an average linebacker. His season has been subpar. Resigning him may not be the worst thing at his market value which I doubt is that expensive
November 26th, 2023 at 7:32 pm
BucsfaninTX
“Devon White is to the Bucs Defense = Jameis Winston was to Bucs offense.”
Yep, great call! I’ve just “checked my sheets” per JW and that’s a great comparison.
DW45’s monster contract has run off with his horses. Hard to know how much value he has left. IF he came at a reasonable price perhaps keep him…IF he’s had a major attitude adjustment. Other wise let him hit the stables.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:33 pm
I hate to agree with this… but I do! His claim that Aaron Rodgers could never beat him to the goal line but then let Minshew juke you?? Get David’s blessing, because we need him back, and move on! Amazing 2020 postseason and he didn’t even play against Washington! Thank you #45!
November 26th, 2023 at 7:59 pm
Agree let him walk. He’s way too inconsistent and easy too replace.
November 26th, 2023 at 7:59 pm
He knows the big contract is on the line for him this season, so what we’re watching isn’t a loaf, it’s a simple case of inability
November 26th, 2023 at 8:12 pm
If you take away that 3 game playoff stretch (it was the stuff of legends but still only 3 games) he’s been pretty terrible his entire career.
November 26th, 2023 at 8:28 pm
He’s been bad for 3 yrs running….really bad! This is not new at all. For whatever reason he became a media darling and the “experts ” adopted him as a dynamic player…total BS! I’ve followed him closely, reviewed most games on game replay and he’s just not a good football player…ges a phony as his pre-game BS speeches clearly show and certainly didn’t deserve the C on his jersey. Best comment was that BUD Licht should have traded him in the off-season but didn’t, probably because of Bowles and that alone just says it all! Finally, many are now seeing the mistake made in drafting him instead of Josh Allen…who has 12 sacks this season BTW…
November 26th, 2023 at 8:28 pm
Long past time.
Should have dealt him when he started his “trade me” nonsense before the season started.
I’d like to see anyone in there for the rest of the way.
November 26th, 2023 at 8:30 pm
Agreed
November 26th, 2023 at 8:47 pm
I thought Dennis played fairly well filling in for Lavonte. He definitely was hustling and wasn’t giving up on plays. He made a couple of nice plays against the run. Not sure if he could be starter material but I hope he gets a chance to play more and get some experience.
November 26th, 2023 at 9:14 pm
While I agree with Joe almost all the time, I have never agreed with Joe more than right now.
November 26th, 2023 at 9:21 pm
Play Britt, Diaby, Dennis and Watts as much as possible. Trask, too, if Baker is hobbled. Same with the young DBs. Shed some of the post Super Bowl contracts.
November 26th, 2023 at 9:38 pm
When he got shook up over his horse dying, I knew this guy was not NFL caliber.
November 26th, 2023 at 10:12 pm
White got juked also last year by Purdy!
November 26th, 2023 at 10:27 pm
I knew after the Super Bowl this kid was going to crumble. His s*** talk was incredible. His ego bigger than Trump’s. This kid was talking like he had won his 10th Super Bowl. Not even brady talked like that. At that point I didn’t like white. As soon as the Super Bowl was over he was talking so much trash and not being a humble winner in any way shape or form. This kid thought he was hot and he was going to stay that way. He didn’t have a phenomenal season in my opinion. He had a good season with a hell of a stretch those last seven or eight games and then the bottom fell out
November 26th, 2023 at 11:43 pm
100%
November 27th, 2023 at 12:04 am
Fire the hell outta the Strength and Conditioning trainer. Those guys are ALWAYS HURT! Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean gets injured when the winds blow!
November 27th, 2023 at 1:18 am
Nothing new Diva white is soft and is always lost out there. He’s constantly getting owned and a liability in coverage. ever since after our superbowl year he has been horse maneuver. It’s time to get more nastier on defense and get a young long term Qb for the future because baker is average and can’t connect on the deep ball .
#FireToiletBowles
November 27th, 2023 at 9:05 am
No S%^T! They should have at least traded Diva White at the deadline. What will compensation be when they let him sign elsewhere?
November 27th, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Shaq Leonard…sit him the rest of the year to get healthy. He was a beast with the colts when he was healthy…
C ya Devin!
November 28th, 2023 at 5:47 am
A lot of Devin White haterade being sipped right now. Will White be back with TB next season? Highly unlikely. Does he deserve to be paid like a top 15 LB in the league? Absolutely not. Is he our best active LB? Most definitely. By far.
As somebody who watches every play of every game, I’d rather see an average 7-10 team then see another 2-14 season. Whatever options lie behind curtain #2 as of this moment, they are not better then what we’re watching.
November 28th, 2023 at 8:50 am
Calm the hell down all of you. We’re missing players from last year’s defense and it shows. Lavonte David is awesome and White is better with him. But to just slam the man and talk about letting him walk? What y’all smoking? Calm down, drink some water, and wipe ur tears crybabys. Oh and for you tough guys tell White to his face. Exactly
November 28th, 2023 at 9:22 am
“Dude cannot shed a block.”
WORD
November 28th, 2023 at 1:05 pm
I agree with some of these assessments (he can’t shed a block for example) but that’s not why I don’t think the Bucs should re-sign him. It comes down to money and whether the Bucs have a bona fide, cheaper replacement in these young guys. I think the answer is yes. Maybe not immediately but in flashes. Some of the money saved can be spent on a smart, LB who can cover that can rotate with one of our younger pass rushing LBs.
I’m not a D. White hater at all. I think he’s being horribly misused and should rush the QB far more often. You talk about how “many or few” tackles he had against the Colts? I saw two standout tackles early in that game by White. Both were made after McCollum not only allowed receptions but whiffed badly on the tackles. D White covered a ton of ground and made both tackles, saving easily 15 to 20 extra YAC on each. When your LB has to mop up tackles on WRs 15 yards downfield, be glad you have a guy who can do it.
He may not “she’d his blocks” and that’s a concern, but that also means the blocker is tied up so your next-level guy is supposed to fill that gap which is why our safeties get tackles. You know, playing defense.
I for one would hate to see him leave. Wouldn’t want to see Evans or LVD leave either but the beat teams aren’t sentimental and reluctantly will move on. Only problem is, Licht seems to move on from the wrong players and overpay their replacements (see our current secondary)