Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White has requested a trade from the team after taking social media to address speculation about his contract status with a cryptic message leaving the fans and pundits buzzing.
The Bucs selected Devin as the No.5 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and spent an incredible rookie season with 91 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and one interception in just 13 games played. He continued his success mission by being a Second Team All-Pro in his second season and holding the Pro Bowl in 2021.
Pro Bowler Devin White requested a trade from the Bucs
ESPN’s Jenna Laine revealed on Tuesday the Bucs veteran linebacker Devin White has requested a trade from the team and is “fed up” with the team, albeit the source didn’t disclose the reason for frustration.
Reportedly, the Bucs aren’t looking forward to trading White as they picked up his fifth-year option last offseason paying him $11.7 million in 2023.
Trading the first-round LB now might result in a better outcome than agreeing to his demands on a long-term deal or letting him hit the free agency. However, any team acquiring the 25-year-old has to factor in the additional cost of his extension.
The Bucs linebacker White shared some cryptic messages amid trade issues with the team
Devin earlier shared some cryptic stories on his Instagram, seeming to indicate he was planning to leave the Bucs squad.
The Pro Bowler initially posted a picture of putting on his cleats in the team’s locker room with the caption “Thank ya” coupled with a pirate flag and peace sign emoji.
White later added a photo of himself in a Bucs Jersey with a cryptic caption “4 year went by fast” and after some minutes he posted a picture of a sign with the quote “God isn’t asking you to figure it out. He’s asking you to trust that he already has” with the text “Next Stop” as well as a checkered flag emoji.
Some cryptic posts on Instagram from Bucs linebacker Devin White: pic.twitter.com/xuPd05n9dO
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 6, 2023
However, the 2019 first-round draft pick later cleared the rumor of leaving the franchise in a tweet saying,” Reflecting on how fast my first four years went by, def a thanks to Bucs fans ‘good & mean ones lol’ The upside is scary.”
Reflecting on how fast my first four years went by, def a thanks to Bucs fans “good & mean ones lol😂” The upside is scary 💪🏾 https://t.co/Z0KXpHmtwH
— DEVIN WHITE (@DevinWhite__40) March 6, 2023
Many fans predicted the veteran star to join the Philadelphia Eagles’ squad as back on March 22, he commented “Let’s make it happen” in one of the Eagles’ new cornerback Greedy Williams’ Instagram posts of signing a deal with the team and the Philly also needs an ace linebacker as two of their starting linebacker T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White are departing in free agency, albeit there is no recent update about it.
As the offseason progresses, Buccaneers fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on any updates regarding White’s contract status and they will be eagerly watching for any further clues or announcements regarding White’s contract negotiations, as the young linebacker’s future with the defending Super Bowl champions remains uncertain.
What’s your take on White’s trade? You can share your opinions with us in the comments.
