New Orleans Saints to sign Kevin White after workout, per report

The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign veteran wide receiver Kevin White after a group workout today, according to NFL Networks Ian Rapoport. White was originally the seventh-overall pick of the Chicago Bears in 2015. The 29-year-old spent two seasons at West Virginia University. For the Mountaineers, he played in 23 games, recorded 144 catches for 1,954 yards, and 15 touchdowns.

The #Saints are signing veteran WR Kevin White, source said. The former first-rounder worked out in a group today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2021

Whites early NFL career

White was considered one of the best receivers coming out in 2015. With his 4.35 time in the 40-yard dash and his 215-pound. frame, he was considered a can’t-miss prospect. Unfortunately for him and the Bears, shortly after being drafted White would require surgery to repair a stress fracture in his shin. That surgery landed him on the Bear’s physically unable to perform list — ultimately resulting in White missing the entire 2015 season. And in the next two seasons, White would only appear in just five games due to more injury problems.

After not having his rookie contract option picked up by the Bears in 2018, White would bounce around the NFL for the next few years.

The Thomas drama

Whites signing comes in the wake of the back-and-forth saga between the Saints and star wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas is expected to miss the first quarter of the season after undergoing ankle surgery. Having surgery is not typically something that would cause an issue between a player and an organization.

But it was reported that the Saints wanted Thomas to have the surgery after the season ended and instead, he waited until the start of training camp to repair his ankle. This decision did not sit well with the Saints and most notably head coach Sean Payton.

“It appears we’re going to have to spend some time without him,” Payton said sharply. “It’s disappointing. We would have liked that to have happened earlier. And quite honestly, it should have. I’m going to leave it at that,” he said in a pre-training camp presser.

His role with the Saints

Since having his surgery, Thomas and the Saints have been doing their best to mend their relationship. And even if they are successful in doing that, do not expect Thomas to be suiting up anytime soon. The Saints will want to protect their $100-million receiver and ensure he’s coming back at 100 percent.

With Thomas down the Saints have little proven talent at receiver aside, and that’s exactly why White is being brought in. The former first-round pick has a chance to resurrect his injury-riddled career with the Saints. IF, he can stay healthy and, on the field, could help the Saints stay afloat while their star receiver is on the mend.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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