The Dallas Cowboys may sign former Pro Bowl physical linebacker, Devin White once free agency begins next month. Jerry Jones isn’t shy about stating that the Cowboys are going “all in,” in 2024. His goal for the team is to build their physicality and “run-stopping” as the roster goal for next season. If Jones sticks by his word, they’re probably in line to sign pending free agent former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, White.
White has the credits to prove his physicality and determination to win a Super Bowl. Not only that, but he’s only 25 which could intrigue the Cowboys just from his age. Dallas always has the goal every year to go young and build their roster that way. Another thing to note is that White was a high first-round pick and can play the run as an off-ball linebacker.
The Cowboys were light at linebacker last season in the wake of Leighton Vander-Esch’s season-ending injury. It’s still unknown if he will ever come back, so the Cowboys could focus on building their roster at linebacker. They could build a foundation of “physicality” in their defense, especially after hiring Mike Zimmer. Talking heads still have no idea about the direction or specifics of the team’s defensive plan.
Adding a physical player like White could build a promising roster of potential talent. After Dan Quinn left to join the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys will have to come up with a plan. However, Jones hasn’t had the habit of adding big names in decades, but it’s still a possibility that things could change.
'More Physical!' #Cowboys Signing LB Devin White Projected; Jerry Jones Plan? https://t.co/du82wgFopr via @DallasCowboysFN pic.twitter.com/JmEJRmUEjL
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) February 14, 2024
Dallas Cowboys May Sign Former Pro Bowl Physical Linebacker Devin White
Why He Could Be Coming Soon
White has been one of the most consistent linebackers in the league over the past few seasons. From 2020-2022, he has been racking up at least 124 tackles each year. He has the 10th most tackles in the NFL since the 2020 season. However, Pro Football Focus has never painted White as a player that he is defensively.
The 25-year-old has a defensive grade of 46.0, but statistics could be misconstrued and one can argue that they’re just numbers. He could still contribute to a team that’s been struggling with their run defense. Dallas has been struggling with this specific part of their defense, especially after losing Vander-Esch last season. White has the most defensive touchdowns by a rookie and most fumble recoveries in a single season with the Buccaneers.
If he can replicate what he did early in his NFL career, he still can go while he’s very young. White is projected to earn $10.7 million annually over a two-year deal worth $21.5 million total. It doesn’t sound like a bad deal for the Cowboys’ cap space, but they may go cheaper. Typically, White plays on the left inside linebacker spot, but Dallas could move him to the weakside spot if they acquire him.
The Fall of Vander-Esch
Vander-Esch’s career unfortunately could be coming to an end in the NFL. He suffered a career-threatening neck injury this past season and there’s currently no word if he returns. It’s the fifth time in his football career that he’s suffered this type of injury. If the Cowboys cut him, it would trigger a dead cap hit of $2.3 million but it’ll save them $2.1 in cap space.
White could never replace Vander-Esch, but he’s a productive veteran that still has many years left for him to go. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s rated the seventh-best linebacker on the market.
