Buccaneers make decision on future of star linebacker Devin White

The Buccaneers have made their decision regarding the fifth-year option on star linebacker Devin White. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Tampa Bay has decided to pick up the option for the former LSU star.

“The #Bucs are picking up LB Devin White’s 5th year option, per source,” tweeted Pelissero.

It was a widely-expected move, but the Buccaneers have mad it official. Now, Tampa Bay keeps one of the best young linebackers in the league happy, and leading their defense as Todd Bowles takes over the head coaching duties.

While White has played some great football for Tampa Bay, his best play came during their Super Bowl run. The former LSU star continually made plays against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Buccaneers defense as Tom Brady led their offense.

According to OverTheCap.com, the option will cost the Buccaneers $11.374 million fully guaranteed to secure Devin White. As you can see, that’s a small price to pay for Tampa Bay to continue employing the services of one of the league’s top linebackers.

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Furthermore, Devin White was drafted fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. Then, White joined Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett to make up one of the most feared linebacker corps in the league.

As a rookie, White started in all 13 games he was available for. He finished with 91 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four recovered fumbles, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

In 2020, White had 140 tackles and nine sacks in 15 regular season games. During the Buccaneers Super Bowl run, White had 38 tackles, two interceptions and two fumbles recovered in three playoff games.

Devin White has been a leader, captain and play-maker for the Buccaneers since joining the team. Continued success will be expected, but he’s proven capable of handling all expectations.