The Lions or Saints may steal Ravens, Chargers trade candidate linebacker, Devin White this season. White’s season suddenly ends as the veteran hasn’t played a single snap this year since signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia. The LSU product established himself as one of the most impactful pass rushers in the league today starting his NFL with Tampa Bay. However, he lost his role in his 2023 campaign, which led to his eventual release, but he has not played a snap ever since.
White was on track to become the starting linebacker for the Eagles but the surprising emergence of Nakobe Dean came out of nowhere. Thanks to White’s injury, Nakobe used the opportunity to be a reliable pass-rusher and ever since the team didn’t believe they needed the veteran anymore. White is well past his prime but he has enough speed and figure to be an impactful player for any team that needs it. However, he’s free to sign anywhere he wants but it might be just on a one-year deal again until he can build himself up again for a higher bidder in time for the 2025 campaign.
The Ravens and Chargers are great destinations for his potential market but they have enough weapons to swap around. It may be logical to bet on either the Lions or Saints to land him since they have a high need for an extra pass rusher. White doesn’t need to be a full-time physical defensive piece anymore but enough to make an impact whenever they get him in rotation. Last year, the 26-year-old set a career-high of two interceptions, marking his final season with Tampa Bay.
Lions, Saints May Steal Ravens, Chargers Trade Candidate Devin White
Extra Help for Detroit
The Lions will likely be without one of their best defensive players, Derrick Barnes this season after suffering a long-term injury. Detroit should invest in a Pro Bowler like White to help reinforce the entire depth chart and become a full-time starter. The team doesn’t need him to be consistent but enough to give opposing quarterbacks a hard time of getting out the pocket. White may not be the best player in man-coverage but he has the tools to play a physical game.
When he played with Lavonte David in Tampa Bay, he was a force to be reckoned with. The duo’s nostalgia could return if White were to team with Aidan Hutchinson. It may be the same defense as the Buccaneers had but it should be enough to make a legitimate run at a Super Bowl. White has experience in hoisting hardware so he could give that same help to Hutchinson who is looking for his first.
Saints May Need Insurance
New Orleans necessarily doesn’t need a new linebacker but the offense has been crumbling since the exploding start the first two weeks. Demario Davis, Willie Gay and Pete Werner are a three-solid pack but they shouldn’t oppose not bringing in White. The Saints probably have one of the most controversial offenses this season since Derek Carr will be out for a couple of weeks. They’re depending on rookie Spencer Rattler to make an impact that no one should expect him to make.
To boost the Saint’s playoff chances, they should establish a hard physical defense that’s unstoppable. This might be the team’s last resort since the offense doesn’t look like they’re playoff-worthy just yet.
