Las Vegas Raiders Secure Former Super Bowl Champion and All-Pro Linebacker
The Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their linebacker corps with a familiar name in the NFL. After missing out on signing Christian Elliss from the New England Patriots, the Raiders still had a pressing need at the position. With limited options remaining in free agency, general manager John Spytek opted to bring in a player he knows well.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Raiders have signed free-agent linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract. White, the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Spytek was serving as the team’s director of player personnel. His familiarity with White’s abilities likely played a role in the signing.
Adding to the intrigue, White was a key member of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2020, alongside then-quarterback Tom Brady, who is now a minority owner of the Raiders. Although White isn’t guaranteed a starting spot, he will have a strong chance to earn significant playing time in Las Vegas.
Addressing the Raiders’ Linebacker Needs
The Raiders faced notable departures at linebacker this offseason, losing both Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo in free agency. Elandon Roberts is expected to fill Spillane’s role as the middle linebacker, but the team still has an open competition for the outside linebacker position.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham typically utilizes a defensive scheme that features only two linebackers on the field at a time. This means White will need to compete for a starting role, making his performance in training camp and preseason crucial.
Can White Reclaim His Elite Form?
When White entered the NFL in 2019, many expected the Raiders to draft him with the No. 4 overall pick. Instead, they selected defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who has remained in the league but failed to live up to his high draft selection. At first, it seemed like the Raiders had made a mistake by passing on White, as he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in his second season and a Pro Bowl selection in his third.
However, despite these accolades, White’s performance has not always matched his reputation. According to Pro Football Focus, he has never been ranked higher than 124th among NFL linebackers in any season. While he has been effective as a pass rusher, his struggles in pass coverage and run defense have raised concerns.
White’s career took a downturn last offseason when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but was cut before playing a single snap. He later joined the Houston Texans but only appeared in seven games, failing to make a significant impact.
Despite these setbacks, Spytek’s decision to bring in White suggests confidence in his potential. Additionally, Patrick Graham’s expertise in developing linebackers could help White maximize his athletic abilities. At just 27 years old, White still has time to revive his career.
Could the Raiders Draft a Linebacker Early?
While White’s signing strengthens the linebacker unit, the Raiders may still look to the NFL Draft to add more depth. Selecting a linebacker with the No. 6 overall pick seems unlikely, but the team could target the position in the second round.
Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is widely regarded as the top linebacker in this draft class, though there’s a chance he won’t be available when the Raiders make their second-round selection. Another potential target is UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger, who played under Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at UCLA. Schwesinger is expected to be available in the second round and might even remain on the board in the third round.
With the addition of White and a potential draft selection, the Raiders are clearly prioritizing improvements at linebacker. Whether White can return to his peak form and earn a starting role remains to be seen, but the Raiders’ investment in the position signals their intent to strengthen the defense heading into the 2024 season.
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