NFL Free Agency Rumors: Devin White, Bucs Aren't Talking Contract After Trade Buzz

Devin White has never played for an NFL team outside of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it appears that will change in 2024.

Dan Pompei of The Athletic reported the Buccaneers have not held contract talks with the linebacker even as they attempt to retain quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebacker Lavonte David.

White, who is scheduled for free agency this offseason, requested a trade in April 2023 but eventually walked that back before the season. He even told reporters the request was "a little selfish," and he ended up playing 14 games for the eventual NFC South champions.

Tampa Bay selected the LSU product with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, and he wasted no time establishing himself as a key piece of the defense. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in his second season, and he posted more than 120 total tackles in three straight years from 2020 through 2022.

The 2021 Pro Bowler finished with 83 tackles, six passes defended, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions last season.

White figures to generate interest this offseason as a 26-year-old linebacker who can drop into coverage or stop opposing rushing attacks. He isn't far removed from his Pro Bowl season, has postseason experience and can be a veteran presence for whichever defense adds him.

It just seems like that defense won't be Tampa Bay's as the team focuses elsewhere this offseason with a number of other marquee free agents to potentially re-sign.