Buccaneers LB Devin White on his offseason trade request: 'A little bit selfish'

Devin White finally addressed the elephant in the room. On Monday, the Buccaneers linebacker discussed his unsuccessful decision to request a trade in the offseason.

“I just wanted to be the guy here for a long time,” White said, per the Tampa Bay Times. “After just sitting down with coach Bowles and Jason Licht and just understanding their plans for me. … See how I can do better. Moving forward, we all came to an agreement, and that’s why I’m here now, just focusing on the season now.”

The Buccaneers will need White’s help. In four years with the organization, White has tallied 315 solo tackles, 20.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. The former Georgia standout was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 2021 for his outstanding efforts.

White claimed there is no hostility left over from the awkward situation. He discussed the issue with general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles, and is now reportedly content with his place in the franchise.

“I don’t think it’s no regrets,” White said, per Pewter Report. “I don’t think it’s just about being paid. It’s just about being a guy who was drafted here and doing a lot for this program. I just want to be the long-term guy. You know, I just want to be a guy like Lavonte [David], who’s been here forever. I wanted to be that next guy. And we just didn’t make it happen when I wanted it to. And that’s where I kind of get a little bit selfish. Even knowing I still had the fifth-year option and that was the thing in play.”

White was selected by the Buccaneers with the 5th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. White is entering his fifth year on his rookie contract, which has a base salary of $11.706 million. Per the NFL’s Kevin Patra, “The Bucs own the ability to franchise tag White next offseason, which would keep the former No. 5 overall pick in Tampa for at least two more years.”

The Buccaneers’ defense was one of the best in the league last season. In 2022, the team allowed 324.3 opponent yards per game, ranking ninth in the NFL. Nonetheless, the team had a mediocre season, posting an 8-9 record and falling to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Playoffs.

With White by their side, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers will kick off their 2023 regular season in a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 10.