“He Didn’t Want It Bad Enough”
March 18th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Week after week, Todd Bowles would cozy up to the podium and declare his support for embattled Devin White But behind the scenes, away from the cameras and the tape recorders, it was a different story.
White was a headache for the 2023 Buccaneers … when he should have been a migraine for opposing offenses.
Do you think Jason Licht is happy that the fifth pick in the 2019 draft didn’t merit a second contract with Tampa Bay? Of course not. A few years ago, White appeared to be on the fast track to become a perennial Pro Bowl linebacker.
Former Bucs linebacker Devin White.
“He’s a guy that is constantly around the ball,” former Eagles center Jason Kelce said in 2022 after White was tabbed the league’s 64th-best player in voting by his peers.
White finished his Buc career with 76 games, 566 tackles, 23 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions and one ginormous missed opportunity.
Cast aside, he hit free agency and encountered a soft market, signing a one-year deal with Philadelphia.
White departs with a Super Bowl ring and regrets for what might have been. He joins illustrious head cases like Josh Freeman and Jameis Winston, first-round picks who failed to remain in Tampa past their rookie contracts.
According to Licht, the vast majority of players who don’t live up to their draft status fail from the neck up. It’s their attitude and drive that don’t meet the NFL standard — not lack of talent.
In the end, Bowles and Licht agreed that White needed to move on. Despite Lavonte David’s best efforts to be a mentor, No. 45 failed to develop his skills.
“He’s probably the fastest linebacker in the game from Point A to Point B,” said 49ers stud linebacker Fred Warner in 2021, when White was voted the NFL’s 28th-best player.
White’s problem was he missed too many tackles on the way to Point B. He took too many bad angles and was a liability in coverage. While his rare speed allowed him to outrun some mistakes, the Bucs collectively decided that he had to go.
Now more showers from Coach Bowles, explains Ira Kaufman.
A lousy attitude didn’t help.
White bristled last summer when he failed to receive a contract extension. In retrospect, he never got over the disappointment. Understandably, the Bucs wanted to see more.
Foot and groin injuries were a factor as White struggled to win Bowles and Licht over last fall. By the end of the season, K.J. Britt had taken his starting job. White played only 37 snaps in Tampa Bay’s two postseason games, registering three tackles. Britt played 92 snaps and was credited with 15 stops.
Yes, the Bucs tolerated White until they could replace him.
Britt got the job and he’s a reliable run-stuffer. Does he have White’s speed? No. Will he be as effective on the blitz? Hell no. But Bowles can rely on Britt to be in the right place and make the secure play.
What a shame.
White may have been Tampa Bay’s most dynamic player during the glorious Super Bowl run, posting 38 stops, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions, including a goal-line pick against Patrick Mahomes late in the Super Bowl rout against Kansas City.
He hadn’t even turned 22 at that point and White’s ceiling seemed unlimited. He was going to be as good as he wanted to be … but he didn’t want it bad enough.
Perhaps the Eagles coaching staff can bring out the best in him. After all, the free-agent marketplace just showed White how far his stock had plunged among NFL talent evaluators. And while his 40 time may be off the charts for an inside linebacker, the clock is ticking on his professional future.
He has one season to show he deserves the fat contract he craves. Barely 26, he’s still young enough to change the narrative. It’s all about putting the work in with film study and the kind of grinding preparation that has helped David build a potential Hall of Fame resume.
White let his frustrations get the best of him in 2023. He wasn’t into it — and it showed. In a prove-it year, he proved the Bucs were correct in holding off on a major extension.
Licht certainly didn’t want to see him go. You would expect the No. 5 pick in any draft would contribute for a decade.
Not a bust. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
When the Bucs selected White, Licht said Tampa Bay’s brain trust was impressed with his leadership skills at LSU. Based on the 2020 season, Buc fans had every reason to believe White would emerge as a mainstay for Bowles, a focal point for every coordinator preparing to face Tampa Bay’s defense.
It didn’t happen.
Should White be considered a bust? Absolutely not.
He played a pivotal role on a championship team. Months after that one-sided Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, Mahomes was seeing an onrushing No. 45 in his sleep.
Instead, chalk him up as a disappointment, an opportunity lost in an effort to become the face of a young defense.
White’s in Philly now and Bowles can rest easier at that podium, knowing he doesn’t have to shower him with any more brotherly love.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:36 am
I’ve been ready for the Bucs to turn the page for a while now…On a funny note, another website that grades the free agent signings gave the White-to-Philly grade an A+ because he thinks White is “good in coverage” (Walter is an Eagles fan). He must not watch the Bucs play.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:48 am
Devin is clearly an emotional/sensitive person. He was never the same after the untimely death of his father. Thanks for 2020 however AMF.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:49 am
Thx for summing it up Ira. However, wr already had this filet on our plate and I was hoping for the juicy bits and the rest of the meal.
How was DW a “migraine?” Who was affected…teammates, coaches, front office? What ever transpired behind scenes… just low level grumbling or did he get all Norma Rae on Licht (besides the public demand for a new contract)? The “where” and “when” flesh out when answering the above questions. The reality TV version would be entertaining without any football to watch
March 18th, 2024 at 9:53 am
Sure…this was a good deal for the Eagles……$5 mil…1 year prove it contract…..and I suspect White will try very hard to prove it…..they didn’t have to come up with a draft pick…
Thanks for the memories, Devin.
What a shame.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:54 am
Not For Long.
It is sad to see so much wasted physical talent.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:56 am
Never saw him get off a block and make a play. once he was blocked he gave up. Saw this at LSU.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:02 am
I think a lot of you were too harsh on Devin he’s still young I think maybe he just needed a coach who wasn’t going to give on him he’s too good to just let walk.. we put so much criticism on Devin and yet Todd Bowles is still our head coach after that disastrous final defensive drive Bowles called up in the divisional round against the Rams but I digress… Devin yes his speed might’ve been too fast and would right past the ball carrier or passed the quarterback he didn’t try and breakdown and tackle like Lavonte does but was he properly coached? I wish him the best ! I hope one day after the smoke has cleared Devin comes back and retires a BUC! But in the meantime I live in Jersey and I hope to make a few Eagles games to watch Devin my kids love him!
David Austin | BUCS fan since ‘98/‘99
March 18th, 2024 at 10:20 am
It’s weird because I wouldn’t change the draft pick since it resulted in a SB, but a lot of us wanted Josh Allen/Brian Burns or trade backs that year instead.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:26 am
Bucs were in a lose/lose situation with White. Would not be at all surprised to see him return to his dynamic ways with a different scheme, new teammates, and new coaching. If that happens, there will be a lot of second-guessing. But there was no way he could stay…an underperforming malcontent and frequent liability on the field.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:30 am
“From the head up “
He gone!
Eyes forward!
March 18th, 2024 at 10:40 am
Devin White is uncoachable. There are a million incredible athletes out there that just refuse to accept coaching and think they know better. Devin White is one of them.
White is the classic workout warrior that got as far as his athletic ability would take him, but as soon as that athleticism was neutralize by teams scheming against it and maybe a couple soft tissue injuries, suddenly he needed to rely on game knowledge and he never developed any of that.
His attitude changed as well when he was reunited with the serial mercenary known as Playoff Lenny. If anybody wants to question why Jason Licht is hesitant to sign big name free agents, I give you Lenny Fournette and Antonio Brown as example 1A and 1B. Licht learned his lesson with those two.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:44 am
That’s your Boi Oneilbuc
March 18th, 2024 at 10:46 am
Definitely from the neck up with him. To date he remains one of the best blitzing inside linebackers I’ve ever seen. That’s said, he was often stymied when he rushed while not blitzing strictly through the gaps. That’s why I think he would have been a terrible fit on the edge like some have suggested. Whenever he was matched one-on-one with a lineman he never got past him. Serious film study would have made him a better player. But during his time here, that’s not who he was. Lack of passion for the game or his well-known outside interests may have played a part.
March 18th, 2024 at 10:47 am
Devin won’t be missed one bit. He was the Jameis Winston of LB’s. Sure he can make some impressive plays but at the end of the day he is going to make a bunch of bone headed plays that will cost his team far more than any of his nice plays. By week 6-7 Eagles fans will be sick of him and they will be much more and ruthless about it too. Hope Devin’s ego is ready for that
March 18th, 2024 at 10:49 am
Some have early success and build on it – Evans, Wirfs, AW2 as examples
Some have early success and it ruins their mindset from an “earn it” perspective- they now expect greatness instead of being willing to put ALL the work in to maintain success
The issue with Diva is he either won’t or can’t get past the mental part and he believes his rookie prowess will just reappear
How he is so far away mentally with LVD 3 feet away is impossible to comprehend
March 18th, 2024 at 10:49 am
”
David Austin Says:
March 18th, 2024 at 10:02 am
I think a lot of you were too harsh on Devin he’s still young …. (more excuses for this fool)…
Devin White is one of the most delusional players ever. His demand and childish behavior last spring. His completely unprofessional sulking during the entire 2023 season when he didn’t get ‘the bag’.
He’s not a child – just an adult with major maturity issues. Definitely the kind of guy who will likely coast if and when he ever gets paid. He had a perfect example playing right next to him in Lavonte and learned absolutely nothing.
Perhaps his prove it deal wakes him up. But even then, it’s buyer beware when paying him.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:02 am
This guy had so much promise and was completely set up for success on this team. He had the right coach, the best mentor, and a room full of teammates that believed in him enough to make him team captain, and he made a complete joke of it. He belongs in the NFC East with the rest of the underachievers.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:05 am
Should have been the next Ray Lewis. Just didn’t want to put in the film time and learn his craft.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Excellent article.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:28 am
Nice piece Ira.
Gotbucs beat me to it.
Uncoachable. Headcase. What’s in the waster at LSU.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:36 am
BA’s Red Pen said it though… losing his father shouldn’t be overlooked. I wish the best once he leaves the Eagles, because I can’t root for the Eagles. Ever.
March 18th, 2024 at 11:58 am
David Austin…you’d actually go to an Eagles game just to watch Devin White miss tackles.
March 18th, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Breaking down to perform a text book tackle is taught in Pee Wee, Middle School, High School, …
What’s this about DW not getting the correct coaching?!
You tell me after all these years playing ball since he was a young boy up to an SEC college and then an NFL franchise… He never was taught to break down.. to perform a tackle.
Yep its all the coaches fault. I am still on fence about Bowles as HC. But a D Cordinator he is top 10. Don’t be fooled. Sometimes people don’t listen and don’t matter who or what the message is.
Thanks for 2020 DW. Best of luck in your search for Bag$$. I truly hope you get it.
Never hate on someone getting paid however I can hate on whether they are worth the $$$.
March 18th, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Very foolish for not trading him last last season!
March 18th, 2024 at 12:42 pm
“Instead, chalk him up as a disappointment, an opportunity lost in an effort to become the face of a young defense.”
perfectly said!
March 18th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Josh Allen received a second deal after posting plenty of sacks every year. The edge rusher we need? Yep he could already be here. A swing and a miss. At least licht learns from his mistakes. Next time a guy says before he plays a snap he wants to be the highest paid ever, licht will know to keep on keeping on.
March 18th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
I wonder if there is a way to test White’s cognitive and emotional skills to determine if he is a bust or a an All Pro like Winfield. I know he had Daddy issues, unfortunately some can overcome that and others like White can’t.
March 18th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Siriani will use the physically gifted but an intellectually challenged White to his strengths, unlike Bowels who wanted him to think through zone complexities.
Shame.
March 18th, 2024 at 1:47 pm
Good to see Diva White go. Just shows how rare it is to find the talent that we have had over the last 20 plus years at the linebacker position with Brooks then David.
March 18th, 2024 at 1:55 pm
He’s a quitter and a joke now. Super Bowl yeah super problem worse
March 18th, 2024 at 2:25 pm
I think the Bucs have a problem with this type of thing culturally. Gerald McCoy was similar – loads of talent, but lacking edge. JTS is going to be the same. We need more players like Sapp and Suh.
When the Bucs are evaluating there’s something off about their process. This happens far too often to be a coincidence.
March 18th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
Really good article Ira
March 18th, 2024 at 5:39 pm
Greg Says:
I think the Bucs have a problem with this type of thing culturally. Gerald McCoy was similar – loads of talent, but lacking edge. JTS is going to be the same. We need more players like Sapp and Suh.
When the Bucs are evaluating there’s something off about their process. This happens far too often to be a coincidence.
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I agree we need more players like Sapp and Suh, but those types are pretty rare. And when they do come out of the draft there’s going to be 31 other teams wanting them as well.
Both Kancey and Diaby should take a step forward this season and I’m sure Licht will be looking to add some additional pass rushers either via free agency and/or the draft.
I don’t think we’ll be drafting anyone like Sapp or Suh at #26 though.
March 18th, 2024 at 8:43 pm
Liked him before all the diva came out. Philly is going to eat him alive.
March 18th, 2024 at 9:05 pm
#1 picks are head cases for us under jason except wirfs and evans. maybe we should trade them for guys that dp more with what they have
March 19th, 2024 at 8:32 am
Again, LB warrants a top 15 pick, at the earliest. That high is always, a DT, DE, or CB, defensively speaking. I didn’t like the pick then and apparently the Bucs didn’t like the pick now.
JL can’t miss on these early picks.