CBS Sports Projects Tampa Bay to Consider Shopping Polarizing Defensive Star
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already made a couple of roster changes this offseason that included the franchise releasing veteran running back Leonard Fournette, tight end Cam Brate, and offensive tackle Donovan Smith. The trio of moves saved the Buccaneers money entering free agency which is also why the team traded offensive guard Shaq Mason to Houston earlier this month.
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Though General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles have stated that the franchise isn't taking a step back from trying to compete for a championship, it's clear that there's a focus on shedding salary for cap space in future seasons. That could lead to more movement depending on what options present themselves.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Buccaneers look into a couple of trades during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Last year, the franchise made three deals during the draft which included trading out of the first round.
According to Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, Tampa Bay linebacker Devin White is part of a star-studded list of players who could be shopped around the draft. White is entering a contract year and trading him would save the Buccaneers north of $11.7 million in cap space.
"A polarizing four-year starter for Tampa Bay, White is an athletic freak who's drawn high marks from coach Todd Bowles and posted gaudy numbers for the position," Benjamin wrote. "But he's entering a contract year and could command near-record money despite middling grades as a coverage man. Selling him would rob the club of a defensive leader, but save an immediate $11.7M as the team prepares for potentially sweeping transitions post-Tom Brady."
The Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders were identified as potential landing spots for White.
The four-year pro had an up and down campaign in 2022. He recorded 124 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries while starting all 17 games during the regular season. With that being said, White played a team-high 1,144 snaps on defense but graded out as the fourth-worst defender (43.7) on the Buccaneers, according to PFF. He had a decent pass-rushing grade (71.7) but his run defense (36.7), tackling (53.3), and coverage (49.1) were all well-below average.
White recently posted crytically on Instagram earlier this month. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Buccaneers at least kick the tires on his market with the former LSU star due a rookie extension in the near future.
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