As if the Eagles couldn’t top what they have already done in free agency. After their first wave of good signings, the Eagles have now signed LB Devin White to a one-year deal worth up to $7.5 million. Many people were speculating that Philadelphia was gauging the trade market for a linebacker but they somehow pulled off a big move in the free agency pool instead.
Devin White was part of a great linebacker core in Tampa Bay for the first five years of his career. The former first-round pick tallied 3 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, 23 sacks, 64 QB hits, and 566 tackles during his time in Tampa. He played alongside Lavonte David during that span and they formed a formidable duo during that span.
Now he joins a linebacker core that is being rebuilt from the ground up. Howie Roseman and the Eagles were focused on building a strong core around former third-round pick Nakobe Dean. Dean missed the majority of the year last season due to an injury but if he can stay healthy in 2024 then the Eagles could have a strong duo.
A big move for the Eagles
While the deal is only for one season the Eagles can easily extend White during or after next year depending on the level of play he brings to the field. I would imagine that this is just the first of many moves that we’ll see within the Linebacker group. Philadelphia desperately needs this group to produce if they aspire to return to the Super Bowl.
At 26 years old, Devin White joined a young defensive core filled with talented players such as the newly signed Bryce Huff, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Haason Reddick, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and the previously mentioned Nakobe Dean. This group is expected to bounce back from a historical late season collapse. If the Eagles can find a way to keep a player like Haason Reddick then they are that much more dangerous with the addition of Devin White.
White will be expected to make an impact in the passing game like he did last season. In the 2023 season, Devin White allowed a completion percentage of 67% against him for 194 receiving yards in 14 games. He allowed 6.7 yards per catch with a passer rating of 65.5. While this may not be the flashiest of moves, the Eagles signing Devin White is a huge step in the right direction.
Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
