Devin White Talks To Joe

December 17th, 2023

Injured linebacker Devin White.

So buried by the explosive Bucs win today over the Packers in Lambeau Field was former No. 5 overall pick inside linebacker Devin White being deactivated for today’s game. There were conflicting reports as to why.

Stacey Dales of NFL Network said it was unrelated to his injured foot. There were radio reports that both disputed Dales’ contention and also radio reports that backed her up.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles said after the game that White told him he couldn’t go and that further questions should be directed to White. So Joe spoke with White in the locker room (the Joe covering the game in Green Bay had no idea what Bowles said at his news conference as Joe was in the locker room).

White said there is no conspiracy. He just couldn’t play at the level he believes he needs to be.

“It’s just not healed enough yet,” White said of his foot. “I just have to get it more stronger so I am able to do what I do.”

That’s all White said about his inactive status. When Joe asked him if there was some other reason he didn’t play today, he shook his head and repeated he wasn’t healed enough to give it a go.

White seemed engaged with teammates, albeit a bit down in the dumps. He really perked up when he talked about how well K.J. Britt and J.J. Russell have played since he’s been injured.

So as far as White is concerned, there is no grand conspiracy or drama why he was inactive.

46 Responses to “Devin White Talks To Joe”

  1. Buccos Says:

    Well there should be

  2. Cometowin2 Says:

    We can’t afford him next year so keep playing Britt.

  3. Derek Says:

    Send him back to his stables.

  4. Front Four Says:

    My guess is he’s been told he’s lost his starting job.

  5. Leslie Opyd Says:

    Brett tackled well !!

  6. Chuckys Bucs Says:

    He’s basically quitting in the team because he wants big money in the off-season and doesn’t want to risk injury. Cut him.

  7. bucs107 Says:

    The foot is messed up look at tape on him

  8. Irishmist Says:

    It’s obvious that a healthy Britt is better than a dinged up, unmotivated White. If we make the playoffs, perhaps he will be healed up and motivated to show his next team what he can do.

  9. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Devin White today put up the same stat line as Shaq Barrett….so did I

  10. Colonel Angus Says:

    Let him heal rest of season. He ain’t coming back next season anyways.

  11. realistic-optimistic Says:

    Get it “more stronger” for your next team. Best of luck.

  12. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    We can always choose not to resign him……but it’s foolish not to use him if we need him……we have 3 games left and possible playoffs.
    You would think White wants to play well for next year’s contract elsewhere…..so hopefully, he” get healthy and help us.

  13. David Says:

    Unlike some others here, I really like Devon White. I have desperately wanted him to play the way he did during the Super Bowl run. The potential is there for him to be a pro ball or year after year after year.
    As time has gone on, however, he disappears for weeks at a time, takes bad angles multiple times a game, and is still below average in coverage.
    They should have traded him before the trade deadline. I am sure there is a team out there that would’ve given up a 2 or 3 round pick because of his potential.

    After a QB, center/guard, they need to draft an ILB with speed from sideline to sideline because LVD is getting old (even though he’s still phenomenal) and I don’t know if the rookie or Russell or Brett are the answer

  14. orlbucfan Says:

    He flew to GB with the team. He need to be cut. His foot is fin,

  15. Fansince76 Says:

    Come on man, get back on the field.

  16. Leighroy Says:

    Strap on an oat bag

  17. Tbbucs3 Says:

    Agree Tbbfan

    KJ Britt absolutley needs to start over White but with how non existent the Bucs pass rush is the Bucs need to use White as a blitzer on passing downs.

    Also, another good day for Zyon McCollum likely means the Bucs might need to bench Davis or Dean.

  18. Eckwood Says:

    Ok kids today we will work on speaking …….. everyone, let’s start wif More Stronger 🧐……….. ok forget that ,,, Great Win Today !! Britt has played Well !!

  19. Oddball Says:

    “have to get it more stronger”

    So he can get more gooder.

    F this guy.

  20. Kory Says:

    Because he’s getting paid to “loaf” on the BENCH!

  21. DoooshLaRue Says:

    He be a wordsmiff…….

  22. RGA Says:

    If it’s just a foot issue and when he’s healthy, I’d leave Britt in and use Devin White as a situational pass rusher. Pass rush or blitzing is his strength, I’ve always thought Bowles misused him.

  23. Miller5252 Says:

    It’s really too bad that Ira can’t go into more detail about White being done playing for the Bucs. Seems like more inside info from Ira where he can’t go into detail about what was said and who said it. Ira’s never been one of those guys just shooting for reactions when he says stuff like this. That #5 pick did get us a Super Bowl. No matter what has happened since, he was a major reason for that ring. Too bad he has all that talent but almost like Rojo between his ears. I look at him like Brady and Gronk. Brought em on for another trophy. And it was all worth it. I do wish Ira and the Joes could go into more detail about why White and Bucs have soured so bad.

  24. Buccingator Says:

    Do we really think if he has another reason he’s going to share it? He knows he’s not coming back. This is about self preservation for his next job.

  25. Bucsfan951 Says:

    Man, what a shat show white has become. He’s had about the same amount of meh seasons as he’s had good ones. Then demanding a trade to having another meh season to being a healthy scratch (that is what it seems like), the dude just fell off. He’ll land on another team and make millions but he has flamed out with the Bucs.

    If I was close to him, I would recommend him getting in to a psychologist and get his head right.

  26. dmatt Says:

    I’m tired of my anticipation becoming reality.
    JDean need to go also. Had he caught what would’ve been an easy int, we could’ve ended the game sooner. I’ve said it before, he plays stiff, is passive, fragile, timid, n non aggressive, n he too believe in his own world that he’s a playmaker top notch cb. He’s nothing remotely close to being a playmaker.
    DW+JD+JTS=PBG…”Poof Be Gone”

  27. StormyInFl Says:

    All of you who want to cut him – thats dumb. Sit him, deactivate him. Whatever. If they cut him, he gets what he wants and the Bucs don’t get a comp pick. Let him move on after the season and get the pick.

  28. Rod Munch Says:

    Going to need him if the Bucs make the playoffs.

    Anywho who thinks this defense, which isn’t stopping anyone, doesn’t need him – well, you’re an idiot. When he was healthy and playing, the Bucs were 4th best in the NFL in points allowed. Since he’s been out, they’ve dropped to 7th.

  29. Lakeland Steve Says:

    Bye, bye Devin

  30. Mike Says:

    He knows he’s not coming back, so best to let it heal and not risk his next contract. It is a business after all.

  31. Joe in Michigan Says:

    Rod Munch Says:
    December 17th, 2023 at 6:51 pm
    Going to need him if the Bucs make the playoffs.

    Anywho who thinks this defense, which isn’t stopping anyone, doesn’t need him – well, you’re an idiot. When he was healthy and playing, the Bucs were 4th best in the NFL in points allowed. Since he’s been out, they’ve dropped to 7th.
    ^^^^^^^^
    A more important fact…The Bucs are 3-0 WITHOUT White.

  32. Jerseybuc Says:

    Declared by NFL was non injury related. Player says otherwise. What is hurt is the players feelings. He is embarrassed. Not professional for a team fighting for playoff spot. He should be inactive rest of the year. Coach needs to make this decision for best interest of team.

  33. Oneilbuc Says:

    KJ Britt has been playing good and I also think it’s over for Devin White in Tampa . I just hope it don’t come back to bite us. I believe he out priced himself asking for 20 million. And this will be another bad draft pick for Jason Light!!

  34. Joe in Michigan Says:

    Let’s call it what it is: Devin White quit on the Bucs. We saw it on the field before he missed games, when he decided not to meet Jonathan Taylor in the gap vs. Indy, and when he decided not to tackle Minshew on 3rd Down near the goal line. They should cut him, or at least put him on IR and open up a spot for a guy that actually WANTS to play football.

    You don’t think Lavonte David is playing hurt? Vita Vea? All of those guys are probably hurt in one way or another. The Bucs SHOULD send a message and cut his a$$, like they did Vernon Hargreaves.

  35. Mord Says:

    This might rightly be White’s last season here, but jeebus, some of you are so b*tchy. This is basically a ‘good news’ story.

  36. Tony Says:

    They should’ve traded him during the draft. I would’ve right then. His horse probably had a cut he had to attend to.

  37. Derobbins Says:

    Sounds like a hold in.

    He can’t say he is making a business decision.

  38. Tony Says:

    This is why they should’ve drafted Josh Allen over him from the beginning but of course no. Jacksonville ends up with him.

  39. Tony Says:

    He wants to get paid the type of $$$$ you’d be paying somebody like Derrick Brooks or Ray Lewis or Lawrence Taylor or Brian Urlacher. Yeah right not with crap like this going on. You’ve still got a long way to go before you reach their talent.

  40. Statguy Says:

    Unleash him on the edge when he is healthy with diaby on the other side

  41. Rod Munch Says:

    *4th best in the NFL in points allowed.

    4th best in the NFC. My bad.

  42. Rod Munch Says:

    Joe in Michigan Says:
    A more important fact…The Bucs are 3-0 WITHOUT White.

    —————

    You think MLB’s are what wins and loses games for you?

  43. Joe in Michigan Says:

    Rod Munch: You’re the one who said the Bucs need him, not me.

  44. orlbucfan Says:

    I wonder what LVD thinks of this guy? He’s too classy to ever publicly say it.

  45. Big Red Says:

    I like Devin White. Hell of an athlete. Just needs to get more consistent and get back to the lab in terms of technique and watching film. Relies too much on superior athleticism.

    He will get paid more to go play elsewhere, but it’s a shame we didn’t mold him into the LB he should’ve, could’ve, and still might end up being (for another team).

    Honestly I hope the entire team stays so far away from all Bucs fans MB’s and news outlets. Because the people who comment are the worst types of fans lol. I suspect that the majority of team pages are like this, but it’s embarrassing to see some of the public comments yall make. Clearly most don’t know the game or understand the business side of it at all.

    Cut DW. Fire Bowles mid season. Trade Mike Evans. Give Baker a long term extension. FFS. Peace, love, and GL in life people. Go Bucs.

  46. THOMAS PFALZ Says:

    HOF Evans needs to be resigned. Extend Mayfield. Trade D. White & C. Davis if possible, but they need to go.