Inside Linebacker May Be Area Of Need
February 15th, 2024
What will Bucs do?
With the free agency dinner bell ringing in less than a month, Joe guesses by the time the combine wraps up in 2 1/2 weeks (not the TV show or the glorified indoor track practice, but the combine, the real thing), the Bucs ought to have an idea if Lavonte David returns for 2024.
David has been an absolute warrior since he was drafted by the Bucs in 2012. Last season, he played more like he was 33 than 23 — and now he’s 34. He had (another) monster season.
David could retire. His position coach Larry Foote posted a cryptic Instagram Stories message weeks ago saying David was going to start a ministry.
The reason Joe brings this up is because Joe sees no way that Devin White returns to the Bucs, unless he agrees to a massive pay cut. And why would the Bucs want him? White was benched late in December.
So if David retires and White is waved goodbye, the Bucs will have a massive hole at inside linebacker. So Joe would guess that may be a priority position of need this offseason.
Joe doesn’t think there is much doubt the Bucs want to bring David back. How could you not the way he played? Yeah, Father Time, Joe gets it. Still, has David shown any signs he’s washed?
Price will be the key here, as it often is.
White returning? Again, Joe cannot see that unless David retires. And even then, White has to get that notion that he’s a $20 million-a-year player out of his head, that’s all there is to it. The way he mostly played last year, he’s a $2 million-a-year player.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:20 am
I would bring White back after he has tested the market in free agency. Let him eat some humble pie. Once the market determines his true value maybe he will be a motivated player when he comes back. Sign him to a one year prove it deal like Baker had and tell him to try again the following year. If it’s good enough for Baker it should be good enough for him too
February 15th, 2024 at 9:26 am
Buccos
Largely agree with you about DWhite. He’s already been humbled with his benching so perhaps his ego will not permit a return to the Bucs especially at a discounted price.
But I’m not disagreeing…IF..his value is so low he’s worth it…IF his late season benching taught him a valuable lesson…and IF the Bucs are absolutely certain a budding locker room cancer won’t blossom into the real deal if things go south next season…those are a lot if IFS.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:29 am
Can’t see White returning to the Bucs after his experience with us in 2023. Can though see him signing with a contender on a prove-it 2024 contract, and probably doing quite well. ILBs with his size & speed are hard to find. He just needs to find the right ‘fit’ someplace.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:29 am
have to move on from disrgruntled players so white is done….
lvd should be considered a luxury if he comes back.
this needs to be addressed as we just lost our two stud LB’s.
They need to sign a FA or draft. probably both
I still can’t for the life of me understand why in the heck the bucs wait until these guys contracts are up. They should trade them when they have value. this means DW, ME and CD. CD should be traded imo.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:36 am
Bobby Wagner and LVD would make the greatest blue hair MLB corp of all time.
February 15th, 2024 at 9:50 am
Another $8 million contract would make starting a ministry a LOT easier
February 15th, 2024 at 10:04 am
White doesn’t fit the culture, he’s a “me” guy vs a “team” guy. It’s understandable for players to want to get paid, the NFL is a business and their careers are limited but he handled the situation poorly, failed to recognize his play was on the decline and ultimately was benched and not really missed the last few games of the season. In a contract year the expectation is a team gets the absolute best from the player, particularly in their effort and attitude. White demonstrated poor character, I just don’t see the Bucs bringing him back. He’ll be a problem any time things aren’t going his way. He’s very similar to Winston, lots of potential but ultimately never puts it all together and somewhat out of touch with reality.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:12 am
I think Lavonte David ends his career as one of the greatest Buc linebackers of all time.
And thats saying a huge thing. The Bucs have had some incredible linebackers in their history.
David Lewis, Dewey Selmon, Hugh Green, Earvin Randle, Derrick Brooks to scratch the surface.
Lavonte belongs in that distinguished crowd. I think he ends his career here.
Whites problem is that, well, hes dumb.
Cant fix that.
Hes ran himself out of plays thousands of times. And has learned nothing.
And I dont think he ever will
February 15th, 2024 at 10:21 am
Capt Tim … ‘Whites problem is that, well, hes dumb.’
Just out of curiosity, how many dumb guys do you know who made $11 mil last year?
February 15th, 2024 at 10:30 am
KJ Britt showed enough to be brought back as the starter. Offer White a prove-it 1 year deal after the rest of the league ignores him in free agency.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:31 am
Draft Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
these jr’s seem to work out here lately….its in their dna.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:33 am
David is younger than Travis Kelce.
February 15th, 2024 at 10:36 am
Defense Rules Says:
Just out of curiosity, how many dumb guys do you know who made $11 mil last year?
—
Its done in the rap industry every year and you won’t win telling me otherwise if I bring out some of the lyrics.
But no I am not joining on the Lavonte being dumb. just saying cash doesn’t rasie IQs.
February 15th, 2024 at 11:56 am
I think our first four picks in the draft in no particular order but likely should start with pass rusher if available at 26 if not best interior linemen be at center or guard. I think our third and fourth rounds should be reserved for best available inside linebacker and safety which often can be had in those rounds. And then finally in the fifth round I would go for a complimentary running back to Rachaad White
February 15th, 2024 at 12:13 pm
I think he played more like he was 23 than 33. He is definitely a priority and finding a free agent to ball like him might be very costly. Even though he is a middle linebacker, personally, I have never seen someone cover both sidelines like Lavonte, priceless.
February 15th, 2024 at 12:24 pm
I wish D White the best, and elsewhere!
February 15th, 2024 at 12:41 pm
White started out like a ball of fire and then flamed out, wonder what happened.?
February 15th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
ILB will have to be addressed regardless whether or not LVD returns. Britt is a coverage liability & not really sure SVD will be ready to be the man.
Knowing that Bowles D is extremely dependent on ILB play…Bucs needs 2 VERY CAPABLE ILB’s for the D to successful…and at this point, without LVD on board & White likely out the door for good…Bucs roster is deficient.
Let’s hope the FO keeps LVD in Tampa on a short-term retirement deal. (2yrs/$18M max)
I do not see a ILB worthy of a 1st rd pick…So, would look for FO to target Day 2/3 value for that position of need. (Early Day 3 is the sweet spot IMO)
February 15th, 2024 at 2:17 pm
I would like to see some new formations or something next year. This D gets picked apart in the middle of the field. 2 guys can not be expected to cover that much ground.
February 15th, 2024 at 2:21 pm
D. white will sign a one year deal to a NFC East team. I hope David returns for one more year and the Bucs draft tackling machine Cedric Gray to be mentored by him.
February 15th, 2024 at 2:23 pm
white’s gonna get 3 years 30 mil somewhere, no question…
on potential and youth alone, some DC will say: “i can get the best out of him”…
he might get 3 years 40 mil actually…
and yeah LB is as big an area of concern on the team as any other position rn…
our drafted and signrd LB’s aren’t looking like dominant starters…at least not yet…
on real deal LB or somewhat high draftee must be added to sustain a defense that wasn’t that that amazing…
we need one…DW fizzled out like old soda
February 15th, 2024 at 2:24 pm
one real deal LB or somewhat high draftee***
February 15th, 2024 at 3:04 pm
Licht was smart not to fall for White’s or his agents demands to sign him this past season. Let’s see if the same applies with Mike Evan.
February 15th, 2024 at 3:17 pm
Ira and Joe need to tell their national press buddies about LVD and how he should go into the HOF. I pray we can get LVD back one more year and I have no doubt he will be his dominant self next year and showcase his HOF skills.
I don’t think SVD is ready to be a starter when LVD retires. SVD did well in camp with some INT’s but he only had a tiny amount of snaps (I was hoping to see him get snaps on passing plays). I’m thinking we need to draft an ILB this year. The problem is that it seems to be a weak draft for ILB’s, so my unpopular draft order would be:
Edge
ILB (maybe Trotter will be avail)
OG,C
S
WR
February 15th, 2024 at 4:27 pm
catcard202 Says:
“Britt is a coverage liability ”
And Diva White wasn’t?? LOL White is literally one of the worst “cover” ILBs in the league.
The Bucs defense absolutely improved when Britt replaced White last year.
PFF grades are not a definitive measuring stick – but White’s overall PFF grade for 2023 was a pitiful 46.0
KJ Britt’s overall grade with a smaller sample size was an impressive 79.3.
Just sayin….
Licht has us covered.
Britt in the 5th rd 3 years ago
JJ Russell as a UDFA 2 years ago
and Sirvocea Dennis in the 5th Rd last year
Those 3 along with LD54 constitutes a solid position group.
All 3 of the above mentioned are better players than their draft position (or lack of in the case of Ruseell) would indicate.
Britt got enough snaps to show that he is very solid and can be relied on (unlike White) to be where he is supposed to be and is very capable of making the play when its his opportunity.
JJ Russell only got extended snaps in one real game last year – but he made plays and seemed very comfortable out there when called upon. That along with solid play in the preseason is enough coming into 2024 to feel very good about him as your 4th guy since he is also quite good on special teams.
And then there’s Sir Dennis
You watch. In time, this former Pitt teammate of Kancey is going to be a very good NFL player.
Call it a hunch, but I am quite sure Dennis will ultimately outplay his draft position by a bunch….
Assuming LD54 comes back (PLEASE come back Lavonte – we need you man) – I think we are good at ILB this year and can focus premium draft resources towards higher areas of need (like OL, Edge rush, TE and Safety)
Hopefully Devin White gets himself a big fat $20M per contract from some idiot of a GM out there so the Bucs can collect a 3rd rd comp pick.
February 15th, 2024 at 5:28 pm
I say roll the dice with KJ Britt. He’s much better than White in run support.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Pickgrin
I hadn’t been aware of a 3rd round compensatory pick but that would be awesome. On it’s own or perhaps to trade up for a stud RB. The draft is so loaded with QB’s and WR’s that no RB’s are expected to go in the first round.
I wouldn’t mind trading up in the 2nd to grab Braelon Allen if JL determines he’s the real deal.
February 15th, 2024 at 6:19 pm
I hope David plays one more year his production and leadership is invaluable….then draft his replacement this year…who is the best LB in the draft when we pick?
February 15th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
spbf –
Compensatory picks when a team ‘loses’ a free agent are dependent on a # of factors…
The NFL hides the exact formula (so they can award more to the ‘favored’ teams IMO – LOL).
The primary factors from what I’ve been able to determine are the amount of $ the free agent receives from their new team (% compared to other contracts at the same position) and playing time.
If Devin White in this case were to sign a $20M per year contract (even if for 1 year) and start/play the entire season for his new team – the Bucs would absolutely be ELIGIBLE for a 3rd rd comp pick. If White signs for $10M per and played the whole year it would be more like a 5th or 6th rd comp pick that we would be eligible for.
But the team receiving potential comp picks also has to ‘lose’ more free agents during the designated period (March 11th>early June I think) than they ‘gain’.
For instance – If 6 Buccaneer free agents sign with other teams and the Bucs only sign 4 free agents during that designated period – then theoretically the Bucs would be ELIGIBLE for up to 2 comp picks as a result – the round in which they receive those picks is then determined mainly by the 2 factors mentioned above with $ being the primary.
If the Bucs ‘lose’ 4 free agents but sign 5 free agents themselves during that period – then they are NOT eligible for any comp picks regardless of how ‘good’ those 4 free agents they ‘lost’ were…..
A team signing their ‘own’ free agents (like Baker or Evans) has no bearing on the situation.
Compensatory picks are awarded for what happened the prior year – so any comp pick the Bucs might receive for Devin White would be in the 2025 draft.
February 15th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
LETTING 54 WALK AND SIGNING BAKER IS A JOKE
February 15th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
I would never bring White back. He’s a below average linebacker (unless he just blitzes) with an over inflated ego. Let him move on and maybe find the right team and coaches who can once again bring out the best in him. It’s better for him and the organization that he plays somewhere else next year.
February 15th, 2024 at 7:46 pm
Defense rules,
White, Tyrann Mathieu, Biden, most of DC. Alot of pro athletes.
You think being able to run fast and jump high makes you intelligent.
Being an elite athlete makes you an elite athlete.
Not a CEO, Surgeon, Doctor, or scientist.
Neither does being a popular Musician.
NASA aint recruiting pro Athletes or Rock Stars buddy.
They aint recruiting pisters on Football fan sites either.
Surprising. So many genuises here. All kmow how to run a pro team, and write million dollar contracts.
NASA’s loss,I guess
February 15th, 2024 at 11:09 pm
Patrick Queen would be a viable replacement if LVD doesn’t come back and we have enough money in Free agency after, hopefully we bring back….
February 16th, 2024 at 4:41 am
hell yes to patrick queen !!