Patriots Country

NFL Trade Rumor: Super Bowl LB Headed to Patriots?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White requested a trade on Tuesday. Could the New England Patriots be a potential destination?

Riley Sheppard

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It's rare to see a 25-year-old linebacker demand a trade before entering his prime. 

However, that is the exact scenario the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves with former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Devin White. 

According to ESPN earlier this week, the 2019 first-round pick has became "fed up" and became unhappy in his current situation. And despite the Buccaneers responding that they do not want to trade White, that couldn't prevent the linebacker from signing a new deal if he becomes a free agent after this season.

In a recent Bleacher Report article, New England is one of three potential landing spots for the dominating defender.

"Going into his age-25 season, White would easily become the most accomplished player among the Patriots' inside linebackers," Bleacher Report writes. "He would also bring Super Bowl experience to a team that's trying to regain prominence in its post-Tom Brady era.

"Essentially, New England can strengthen a shallow position and get a little younger in the middle of its defense with White in the fold. The Patriots have $12.4 million in cap space. They can restructure Matthew Judon's contract to save $5.2 million if White wants an immediate bump in salary."

Over his four-year NFL career, White has recorded 483 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 35 tackles for loss while only missing four games. If New England decides to pursue White, he would be joining a linebacking core of Matthew Judon, Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai. 

Judon, the Pats' only Pro Bowl representative last season, has been actively trying to recruit the Buccaneer. 

"White could thrive in Belichick’s defense," The Draft Network writes. "The Patriots are equipped with three top-100 selections and three additional fourth-round selections."

The addition of White, who finished with 124 tackles and 5.5 last season, would be an instant upgrade to a New England team which finished 8-9 a season ago.

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Riley Sheppard
RILEY SHEPPARD

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