**Raiders to Sign Veteran Linebacker Devin White to One-Year Deal: A Strategic Move for Las Vegas’ Defense**
In a move that has captured the attention of both fans and analysts alike, the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Devin White on a one-year deal. This signing not only strengthens the Raiders’ defense but also brings in a proven leader with championship experience and high-level playmaking ability. White, who spent the first part of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, comes to the Raiders at a critical juncture in the team’s journey to re-establish itself as a contender in the AFC.
This article will break down what this signing means for the Raiders, evaluate White’s strengths and how they complement the team’s needs, and examine the broader implications for the defense as the Raiders gear up for the 2025 NFL season. From his college days at LSU to his time in Tampa Bay, Devin White has been a highly regarded linebacker, and his acquisition by the Raiders is poised to have a significant impact.
### **A Strategic Move: Why the Raiders Signed Devin White**
The Las Vegas Raiders have been building their team with a mix of veterans and young talent, and the addition of Devin White represents a strategic step to bolster their defense. The linebacker position has long been a critical area for the Raiders, and while they have several promising players on their roster, White brings a level of experience and leadership that can help elevate the defensive unit.
For the Raiders, this signing serves a couple of important purposes:
1. **Adding Experience and Leadership**: The linebacker position is crucial in a defensive scheme, especially in terms of leadership. White, who has played in multiple postseason games and was part of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV-winning team, brings invaluable playoff experience. His leadership and ability to make crucial plays in high-stress situations will help stabilize the Raiders’ defense, especially given the changing dynamics of their roster.
2. **Playmaking Ability**: White has consistently been a playmaker throughout his career. Known for his ability to rush the passer, cover running backs, and drop into coverage, he brings a versatile skill set that the Raiders’ defense can benefit from. His presence on the field will allow the defense to be more dynamic, helping them create turnovers and stay aggressive in key moments. With his speed and athleticism, White is capable of being a disruptive force in both the run and pass games, which is something the Raiders need to improve upon in 2025.
3. **Filling a Need**: While the Raiders have a solid defensive foundation, they’ve struggled to consistently stop the run and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. With White’s ability to read offenses and attack the line of scrimmage, his skill set directly addresses a few gaps in the defense. In particular, White’s run-stopping ability and ability to track plays from sideline to sideline will be key in improving the Raiders’ defensive consistency.
4. **Team Chemistry and Growth**: For a young defense that needs mentorship and leadership, White’s presence will be critical. Players like Divine Deablo, Luke Masterson, and other young linebackers will benefit greatly from his experience, learning from one of the league’s top linebackers. White’s high-energy style will also serve to raise the overall intensity of the defense.
### **Who is Devin White? A Career Overview**
Devin White’s journey to the NFL has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a natural talent for the linebacker position. Born and raised in Louisiana, White was a standout player at LSU, where he became one of the top college linebackers in the nation. His time at LSU not only established him as one of the best in college football but also provided him with the foundation that would lead to a highly successful NFL career.
**College Success at LSU**
White played at LSU from 2016 to 2018, earning numerous accolades for his performance on the field. As a standout linebacker for the LSU Tigers, he was known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, his ability to play against the run, and his impressive instincts in coverage. In his junior year, White’s play skyrocketed, earning him consensus All-American honors and making him one of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft.
White’s 2018 season was particularly impressive, as he recorded 123 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His performances helped lead LSU to a strong finish in the SEC, and he was a key factor in their defense. His ability to dominate in both coverage and as a run-stopper made him one of the most versatile linebackers to come out of college football in that year’s draft.
**NFL Career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers**
Devin White was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, a sign of his immense potential as a franchise linebacker. White made an immediate impact, becoming the centerpiece of the Buccaneers’ linebacker corps. In his rookie season, White quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL, recording 91 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. His ability to read the offense, diagnose plays quickly, and cover a large area of the field made him a key asset for the Buccaneers.
Perhaps White’s most memorable moment came during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV run. He played a pivotal role in the defense that helped shut down the Kansas City Chiefs’ high-powered offense. White’s ability to rush the passer, create turnovers, and dominate in key situations was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s victory. His leadership on the field, paired with his high-energy style, made him one of the standout players in the postseason.
Throughout his time with the Buccaneers, White continued to impress, earning two Pro Bowl selections (2021, 2022) and an All-Pro selection in 2022. His impact as a leader, both on and off the field, solidified his place as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
**Key Strengths**
– **Versatility**: White’s ability to do it all makes him one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL. He can rush the quarterback, drop into coverage, and take on running backs with ease. His skill set makes him capable of affecting every phase of the game.
– **Leadership**: A natural leader, White has been known for his ability to inspire his teammates. His leadership qualities will undoubtedly help solidify the Raiders’ defense, especially in high-pressure situations.
– **Athleticism**: White’s speed and agility make him a threat in coverage and as a blitzer. His ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline allows him to be an active presence in both the run and pass game.
– **Football IQ**: White’s understanding of offensive schemes and his ability to diagnose plays quickly are hallmarks of his game. His IQ allows him to be in the right position at the right time, making him an effective playmaker.
### **What Does White Bring to the Raiders’ Defense?**
The Raiders’ defense has been a work in progress over the past few seasons. While there are several bright spots on the unit, the team has struggled with consistency, especially when it comes to defending the run and creating pressure on the quarterback. Signing Devin White gives the Raiders a proven playmaker who can address these concerns and elevate the overall defensive performance.
**Run Defense Improvement**
One of the key areas where White excels is in run defense. His ability to read plays quickly and fill gaps in the run game will provide the Raiders with an immediate upgrade. In 2024, the Raiders’ defense struggled against the run, ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. With White’s ability to stop running backs in their tracks and limit big plays on the ground, the Raiders will have a much more formidable defense in the trenches.
**Pass Rush and Coverage**
In addition to his ability against the run, White’s ability to rush the passer and cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game will add a new dimension to the Raiders’ defense. White’s speed and strength make him a capable blitzer, and he will be a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. The Raiders have been looking for ways to increase pressure on the quarterback, and White’s ability to blitz from the linebacker position will give them a versatile weapon in their pass rush.
Moreover, White’s coverage skills will improve the Raiders’ ability to defend against short-to-intermediate passing plays. His ability to cover running backs, tight ends, and even wide receivers in space will help the defense limit yards after the catch and force turnovers.
**Leadership and Mentorship**
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of White’s signing is his leadership. The Raiders have a number of young defensive players who will benefit from White’s presence. Players like Maxx Crosby, Divine Deablo, and others will be able to learn from White’s work ethic and football IQ. His experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to stay calm under fire will help elevate the performance of the entire defense.
### **Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Raiders and Devin White?**
With the addition of Devin White, the Raiders’ defense is now poised to make a serious push for improvement in 2025. White’s playmaking ability, leadership, and versatility will be crucial in helping the Raiders challenge some of the top offenses in the AFC. While the team will need to continue to build around him and address other areas of need, the signing of White is a major step in the right direction.
The one-year deal allows the Raiders to test White’s fit within their system before committing to a long-term contract. If White proves to be as impactful as expected, there is a strong possibility that the Raiders will look to extend his stay in Las Vegas for the long term. For White, this is an opportunity to prove himself once again on a new stage and possibly set himself up for another big payday in the future.
**Conclusion: A Win for the Raiders’ Defense**
The Raiders’ decision to sign Devin White to a one-year deal is a calculated and strategic move that addresses several key areas of need on the defensive side of the ball. White’s leadership, athleticism, and versatility make him a perfect fit for the team as they continue to rebuild their defense and push for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC. With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how White integrates into the Raiders’ defense and whether he can help them reach their potential. One thing is certain: the addition of Devin White brings excitement, optimism, and renewed hope for the future of the Raiders’ defensive unit.
