Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for LB Devin White
The Detroit Lions have been very active throughout the offseason.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes didn't waste any time, bringing in several free agents. In particular, he's actively addressed the defensive side of the ball.
One position that hasn't seen much action is linebacker. Alex Anzalone was re-signed to a three-year contract, but the only other move at the position was the signing of Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a one-year deal.
The Lions may now have an opportunity to make a splash at the position. It's due to the fact that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White has requested a trade from the organization, according to reports from ESPN.
White has had a very productive career to this point, beginning with the team selecting him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
His fifth-year option for the 2024 season has already been picked up by the Buccaneers, but there's an apparent divide between the two parties on a new contract.
The LSU product has had a strong start to his career. After winning a Super Bowl in 2019 as a rookie, he was a second-team All-Pro selsction in 2020 and a Pro Bowler in 2021.
For his career, he has produced 483 tackles and 20.5 sacks. He's shown some play-making prowess, as well, forcing six fumbles and intercepting one pass.
With White on the market, a clear linebacker upgrade is available for the taking. Holmes has already made one move on the trade market this offseason, trading 2020 first-rounder Jeff Okudah to the Atlanta Falcons.
Any potential for this move will boil down to whether or not the Lions believe they can re-sign the linebacker. Tampa Bay entered the offseason $55 million over the salary cap, so many measures have already been taken by the organization to lessen the damage.
White could be a difference-maker in Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme. He packs a heavy punch, and has an uncommon level of athleticism for his position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White
© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, he made 124 tackles, to go along with 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The talent is clear, and the four-year pro would quickly become a team favorite, sliding in next to either Malcolm Rodriguez or Anzalone.
However, the market for linebackers is increasing. Tremaine Edmunds set a high bar when he signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason for four years and $72 million.
Other top linebackers have signed deals recently, such as Roquan Smith for five years and $100 million with the Baltimore Ravens. This has placed a premium price tag on linebackers.
White's production is on par with some of the best. He's remained healthy for a majority of his career, missing just four possible games through his first four years.
Because of this, his value will likely be near that of Smith and Edmunds. He has more to show than Smith in a number of categories, such as tackles and sacks.
The Lions currently have an estimated $25.9 million in cap space heading into 2023, so there's room available to make the move.
Holmes has been committed to his philosophy of building a team through the NFL Draft. In making a move like this, he would have to part with significant draft capital.
Trading for a talent like White is a hefty commitment. Holmes would have to not only part with draft resources, but also dish out a hefty extension, as well.
Given that linebacker has not been a position the organization has addressed in haste this offseason, making a move like this one doesn't seem to be on the horizon. Detroit's GM is a patient one, and he'll likely wait until the draft to address the linebacker position.
