The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a new era. After Tom Brady retired this offseason, the team now moves on without him. Many think this will be a more rebuilding year for the team. One player clearly does not want to be a part of a rebuild. Linebacker Devin White has requested a trade from Tampa Bay.
Bucs’ Pro Bowl LB Devin White has in fact requested a trade, as @JennaLaineESPN reported. Bucs do not want to trade him, but he wants to be traded as he is coming up on his fifth-year option.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Devin White Requests Trade
White was a first-round pick in the 2019 draft. The team has already picked up his fifth-year option but he is looking for a new deal. Apparently, he is “fed up” with sources saying that his frustrations stem from negotiations over a new contract. The Bucs are limited in what they can do as they tied up a lot of their money chasing Super Bowls in the Brady era (which was absolutely the right thing to do). The team has publicly said they do not want to trade him but usually, once a request is given, it is only a matter of time before a trade happens.
What Is His Value?
This is where it gets tricky. Linebacker is not a high-priority position. Quarterback, left tackle, and defensive line are where a majority of teams are looking to invest their money. Not only would a team have to give up some type of draft capital for him, but they would also likely have to give him a new contract. We just saw a top-5 pick in Jeff Okudah go for a fifth-rounder. While White has had more success in the NFL than Okudah, it shows how little teams can get in return for top talent.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at a crossroads. Ultimately, the team would be wise to move Devin White simply to pick up the draft capital to start rebuilding. Even if you want to keep him, his disgruntlement makes him difficult for the locker room. This is something to keep an eye out for as the draft approaches.