Devin White’s brief stint with the Eagles has come to a sudden end. The former first-round linebacker was released on Tuesday, according to a team announcement.
White started his career in Tampa Bay as a highly productive player statistically. However, he lost his starting role toward the end of the 2023 season,
so it wasn’t surprising when he hit the open market. White signed a one-year contract with the Eagles but has yet to make a regular season appearance. Now, the team has decided to move on.
Once a No. 5 overall pick, White had been seeking an extension with the Buccaneers that would have made him one of the highest-paid middle linebackers in the league. In contrast, he accepted a one-year, $4 million deal to join Philadelphia, with $3.5 million guaranteed.
This move is expected to create a dead money charge of over $3 million, although Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes White worked out a deal that could provide the team with “potential savings.” Still, this release marks an abrupt end to their partnership.
During the summer, White was expected to handle a starting role, but instead, he began the season as a backup. Lacking significant special teams experience, he was a healthy scratch for Week 2, after missing the opener due to an ankle injury. Rather than staying on the sidelines – barring injuries higher up the depth chart – both White and the team have opted to part ways. Since this decision came before the trade deadline, White won’t be subject to waivers.
Now, the LSU alum is free to sign with any interested team as he looks to rebuild his market value. Given how his career trajectory has shifted, interest may be limited, though he recorded at least 124 tackles in each season from 2020-2022 and tallied 23 sacks during his time in Tampa Bay.
He could potentially fill a rotational role for a team in need of linebacker depth, particularly one that was considering a trade to address the position.
As for the Eagles, they will move ahead with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean – who beat White for the starting role before the season – as their first-team linebackers. It will be worth watching whether they make a depth signing, likely targeting special teams contributions. In the meantime, White will look for a new opportunity and another chance to restart his career.
