Buccaneers Star Devin White Speaks Out About Trade Request: “I Got a Little Selfish”

The Buccaneers’ leader on defense speaks about about his trade request for the first time.

Earlier in the offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Devin White requested a trade. The idea for him was to secure a long-term contract extension with the team. 

The Buccaneers indicated early on that they wouldn't entertain a trade centered around White. They held out, and now they're in a position to head into the regular season with White on board. 

During training camp, White spoke about the trade request and his intentions behind it.

READ MORE: NFL Trade Rumors: Buccaneers Linked to Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor

“I don’t think it’s just about being paid," White said. "It’s about being the guy who was drafted here and doing a lot for this program."

White was selected with pick No. 5 in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. He's since started in each of his 62 games with the team. Having achieved one Pro Bowl selection and playing a part in the team winning a Super Bowl, White has a rich history in his short time with the Buccaneers.

"[I] just want to be the long term guy. We just didn’t make it happen when I wanted to and that’s where I got a little selfish," White admitted.

White has totaled 20.5 sacks, 35 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles in his four seasons with the team. 

"Moving forward, I think we all came to a good agreement," White said. "That's why I'm here and just focusing on the season now."

White spoke with head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht, and evidently, the two sides were able to maintain a good relationship and prepare for the upcoming season.

A part of White's frustrations involved him being happy in his situation and being comfortable in Tampa, so he wanted to earn his contract extension since he was at the end of his contract. 

"It's all love," White said. "At the end of the day, I thought that was the best for me... I'm still here and I came back with a positive mindset."

---

READ MORE: Buccaneers' First Round Draft Pick Moving Ahead in Recovery

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook