Edge rusher Keion White didn’t live up to expectations in Year 2, and the current Patriots latest comments imply he could seek a trade during the offseason. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Georiga Tech product showed promise while playing in a depth role as a rookie. With Bill Belichick gone, White was supposed to be a key piece to first-year head coach Jerod Mayo’s defense.
White started strong, recording four sacks in the season’s first two games. However, he only recorded one sack over the past 13 games and has struggled to play the run. When asked about his issues on the field, Keion White acknowledged his shortcomings while sounding noncommittal about 2024, which could imply an incoming trade request.
“I think it’s a lot of things. First and foremost, it’s me. I need to improve me, and being on the same page with what the coaches want. But I think it’s a lot of other things as well. Without going to much into details, that’s how I feel…It is what it is. You just figure out where you go….something’s gotta change.”
“Something’s Gotta Change” – Keion White Hints At Potential Trade
White’s comments are somewhat vague, and there are a few ways to interpret what he said. On the one hand, he admits to not playing up to his potential and the issues start with him. On the other hand, it sounds like he’s not on the same page with the current coaching staff – something that wasn’t an issue when Bill Belichick was around. If the Patriots retain Jerod Mayo, perhaps Keion White will request a trade. While he hasn’t played up to his potential, several teams should be interested in the young pass rusher.
Possible Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have two reliable pass rushers in Kyle Van Noy and former first-round pick Odafe Oweh, but they could use another. Oweh will become a free agent after the 2025 season, and Van Noy is not getting any younger. Former second-round pick David Ojabo has yet to show anything at the NFL level, so White could be a reliable third option in 2025 with the potential to grow into a longtime start for John Harbaugh’s squad.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs lost the Josh Uche trade, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying to land Keion White. Chris Jones is one of the league’s best pass rushers and George Karlaftis is a solid starter, but this team could use more firepower on the edge. While the team’s 39 sacks currently rank 13th in the NFL, they must find a cost-effective pass rusher next year. With free agency likely too expensive, the team should look to the trade market for more support.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have an elite edge defender in Maxx Crosby, but nobody else of note on the roster. While Crosby is one of the four or five best players in the world at his position, no player can singlehandedly carry an entire pass rush by themselves. Keion White is not an All-Pro type of player, but the second-round pick could be a nice complementary starter for a team that could use more talent.
Carolina Panthers
First-year head coach Dave Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan spent the 2024 offseason adding talent to the offensive side of the ball. Now, with the offensive line fixed and Bryce Young looking like a potential franchise quarterback, it’s time to focus on the defense. Jadeveon Clowney has not played up to his contract, and this team needs another edge rusher. Keion White can’t fix the whole defense by himself, but he can add some much-needed depth to this weakened front seven.
Los Angeles Rams
First-round pick Jared Verse is taking the world by storm, and the Rams found a diamond in the rough with former third-round pick Kobie Turner. This defensive line is strong enough to get this team to the playoffs, but the Rams aren’t quite ready to compete for a Super Bowl. Matthew Stafford is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning, so Los Angeles should focus their efforts on building the strongest win-now roster they can.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
