(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a sensitive situation on their hands.
It appears that star linebacker Devin White no longer wants to be a part of the team.
He recently requested a trade from the Buccaneers, but the Bucs do not plan on granting it.
According to James Palmer, Bucs GM Jason Licht expects White to be on their roster come September.
#Bucs GM Jason Licht opened his press conference obviously talking about Devin White. He says they plan on having White this season. He understands the business. Licht said White has done some great things for them and he’s still on the team and he looks forward to more of that
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 13, 2023
White is looking for a new contract, as he is entering the final year of his deal.
Yet, he does not think the Buccaneers will be able to pay him.
Tampa Bay has been strapped for cap space over the past few years and they may be ready to move off White.
But, it appears that the Bucs at least want White to finish out his contract with the team.
There is no question that White has been an important part of Tampa Bay’s defense.
He played a key role in their Super Bowl win, but now he wants to get paid like a top linebacker.
Despite the Bucs saying all the right things, it may be in their best interest to move White.
He has not played like a top linebacker in recent years, especially in coverage.
According to PFF, via Alex Reno, White is a bad coverage player and struggles against the run.
Why do people think Devin White would help this football team? pic.twitter.com/RbfxH9zxhC
— Alex Reno (@alex_reno) April 12, 2023
At this point, there might be more name value around the former first-round pick instead of production.
For a team that needs to find ways to save money, giving White a massive contract is not the answer.
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