Devin White: Publicity Enemy #1
Updated 7/31/23
In today’s sports world, athletes at every level have more avenues and platforms to express themselves than ever before. Players no longer have to make a statement through scheduled press conferences with local news stations or send word through a hired representative. Nowadays, it can all be done through social media and individual broadcasting sites like YouTube.
Many players have leveraged such avenues to make additional money through sponsorships. Others have used it to send messages to their fans as well as the teams they play for. And some have used it to do both effectively.
While social media has given players unlimited control of their visibility and marketability, it’s also given fans and media unprecedented access. And that’s been either a gift or a curse, depending on how well the player handles the attention. For Devin White, it’s been the latter recently.
On April 11th, White, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star linebacker, requested a trade from the team due to frustration with a contract extension. Since then, he’s drawn the media's attention and the ire of a small but vocal sector of BUCS followers.
This isn’t the first time White has faced backlash from fans and media alike. Back in October, while the Buccaneers were on a three-game losing streak, the outspoken linebacker became public enemy number one for a small group of media members and disgruntled fans. His play on the field and even his heart to play the game came into question following an ill-received misquote after a win against the Atlanta Falcons.
White eventually took to social media to address some of the criticism he had received for weeks. But the damage had been done. For that crowd of “fans” and that group of media members, they got what they wanted. They got him to respond to their cries. They got him to attempt to explain himself. And that’s when it’s usually a point of return for most public figures. Once this happens, it tends to lead down a road where it’s not only expected but felt owed by those asking questions. Anything less, and it’s seen as “cryptic” or “vague.”
Since that time, everything White has said or done has been under a proverbial microscope. Before his trade request was made public, he made an Instagram post that was interpreted as his saying goodbye to Tampa. In a matter of minutes, speculation made the rounds that he was on his way out the door. And then came the mandatory follow-up clarification the embattled linebacker via Twitter. This was viewed as White backpedaling from his initial post. His explanation needed an explanation. The subsequent revelation of the trade request a month later made this all the more frustrating for some. It also White opened to even more scrutiny. Every social media appearance of his has to have a hidden meaning now. Every quote he posts, original or not, has to be a double entendre or a metaphor for his trade request.
Devin White thanks a teammate: “why Is He thanKInG sOmEoNe ON liNe WHen HE caLl cALL THeM? IS He sAYING GoOdbYe agAin??”
Devin White posts a photo of a chicken on Instagram: “He MUsT BE loOkiNg To flY the CoOp and LEAVE TaMPa.”
Devin White quotes Mark Twain..”The lack of money is the root of all evil.”: tHiS gUY makeS 11 MILLion DoLLarS TO PlAY fooTBall And hE's taLkINg LIke he'S poOr. FirE HIS ass.
To date, it’s not been verified when White asked for a trade. It was only made public on April 11th.
It’s Funny how Money Change the situation
At the center of all the scrutiny towards Devin White is money. Many of White’s detractors would like to think he’s not worth the kind of money it’s believed he’s asking for. It’s been widely circulated that the LB could be seeking a contract somewhere north of $100M. Before he was even drafted in the NFL, the eventual #5 Overall pick said he’d be looking for $100M in free agency in five years.
Mostly, that was him talking himself up before the draft. And most fans in Tampa loved the talk.
And well, he was on the mark for where the market went. Roquan Smith, former #8 Overall Pick of the 2018 Draft, signed a 5yr/$100M deal with the Baltimore Ravens before hitting free agency. A head-to-head comparison between White and Smith shows White to be on par with Smith despite having played 16 fewer games. Statistically, White is every bit as good as Smith in most areas. And he's even better in others. That's definitely not good news to those who like to play down the importance of White's play for the BUCS. While imperfect, he's been a critical cog in the defense since his arrival in Tampa.
White, entering his fifth season, is one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. He has recorded 539 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions in his first four seasons. White's trade request could shake up the NFL, as he is a highly sought-after player.
Devin White is currently not attending voluntary workouts due to a contract dispute. However, it's essential to note that this is not a holdout, as many have reported. Unless he doesn't show up in mid-June, when minicamp begins, he's in compliance with his current contract. Most outlets know using the terminology “holdout” in this situation is wrong but continue to push it.
While being objective, most people can understand White's want for a contract extension. Every player in the NFL and likely every sensible person who has ever been employed anywhere wants to have long-term financial security relative to their profession and experience. It's not unreasonable to believe White could fear significant loss if he's not contractually guaranteed a certain amount of years or money in the future.
Ironically, White was selected as a Buccaneer partially to replace the previous linebacker, that played his final contract year without a guaranteed future in Tampa. Kwon Alexander, also a former LSU Tiger, entered his fourth and final year of his rookie contract looking for an extension. Negotiations from the preseason had stalled, and Alexander went on to play, hoping to parlay his season into a big payday. He had already made a name for himself in Tampa as a catalyst for the defense. In Week 7, on a 4th and 3, the former 4th Round Pick-turned-starter tore his ACL while chasing Baker Mayfield out of the pocket, which led to a fumble.
Alexander's career in Tampa ended on that play. The man the GM Jason Licht referred to as the "heartbeat of the defense" was left expendable and uncertain of his future. Five months later, the Buccaneers used a 5th Round draft pick on Devin White.
On the other side, while being objective, the business side of the Buccaneers has to be looked at as well. Devin White and his representation must pay attention to the history of contract extensions under Jason Licht.
So far, Licht has only signed one 1st Round Pick to an extension. Last year Vita Vea became the lone top draft pick to play longer than the original rookie deal. Vea signed a 4yr/$71M deal before playing on his fifth-year option. Vea, like White, has been a big part of the BUCS' recent success. The massive DT makes it easier for players in White's position to be successful. With a player with Vea's abilities, it could lessen the stress of having to rush signing White.
Also, the call to hold off from committing big money to White as this stage could be coming from the top of the organization. They've been bitten before. Remember Mike Williams?
Williams was a 4th Round selection from Syracuse who shot to the WR1 position in 2010. He was a standout on the field. The Buccaneers signed him to a 5yr/$39M before the final year of his rookie contract. He played six games under that contract. Williams was traded the following year for a 6th Round pick after a hamstring injury and multiple off-the-field issues led to his dismissal in Tampa.
The most significant element going against White and his request trade is that he's not the only one waiting for an extension.
In addition to Devin White, several other players in the 2019 NFL Draft class have not signed a contract extension. These players include:
-Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
-Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets (Updated 7/31 4yr/$96M on July 13th)
-Clelin Ferrell, DE, (Declined Raiders 5th-year option; Signed 1yr w/49ers)
-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Vikings(Traded from Lions)
-Ed Oliver, DT, Buffalo (Updated 7/31 4yr/ $68M on June 3rd)
-Devin Bush, LB, (5th-year option Declined by Steelers; Signed 1yr w/SEA)
-Josh Allen, LB, Jaguars
These players are all eligible to sign contract extensions this offseason. It remains to be seen how many of them will be able to reach an agreement with their respective teams. Jason Licht and the Buccaneers are monitoring these other situations, and one of them could nudge the Team to move on White's negotiations.
Only two of the Top 10 Draft picks have signed a 2nd contract. Both quarterbacks. Kyler Murray and Daniel Jones.
Despite the social media posts and the speculation surrounding White, there's hope that a deal can be struck before an actual holdout occurs. If Lamar Jackson, a recent league MVP, can withstand contract conspiracies, announce a trade request via social media, and subsequently negotiate a historic signing without representation, anything's possible.
