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Lions Land Former All-Pro Devin White: Defense Just Got Elite
Detroit Lions Sign Veteran Linebacker Devin White: What You Need to Know
Who Is Devin White?
Imagine a football player who was so good in college that a professional team picked him 5th overall in the entire country—that’s Devin White. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose him in the 2019 NFL Draft, which is like being picked first for dodgeball, but for grown-ups playing football for millions of dollars.
Quick facts about Devin White:
- Position: Linebacker (think of this as the "quarterback of the defense"—he runs around tackling people and stopping the other team from scoring)
- Drafted: 5th overall pick in 2019 by Tampa Bay
- Early success: Made Second-Team All-Pro (one of the best at his position in the whole league) and won a Super Bowl by his second year!
- Age: 26 years old (still young for a football player)
The Journey So Far: From Superstar to Journeyman
Devin’s career has been a bit of a roller coaster. Here’s the timeline:
1. The Hot Start (2019–2022)
- Four solid seasons with the Buccaneers
- Helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl in 2020
- Looked like a future Hall of Famer
2. The Bumpy Middle (2023–2024)
- 2023: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but never played a single snap (that means he didn’t get on the field for even one play)
- 2024: Traded to the Houston Texans for half a season, then finished the year with the Las Vegas Raiders
- Played all 17 games for the Raiders last year
3. The Surprising Stat (2025 Season)
Wait, what? In the 2025 season, Devin White finished 3rd in the ENTIRE NFL in tackles with 174. That’s a LOT of tackling! The only person on the Lions with more? Jack Campbell (our current starting linebacker).
4. The "But…" (PFF Grades)
There’s a company called PFF (Pro Football Focus) that grades players like a report card. Devin’s grades have been… not great:
- Never scored above 57.0 in a full season (think of this like getting a D+ every year)
- Struggles in two big areas:
- Coverage (stopping players from catching passes)
- Run defense (stopping players running with the ball)
Why Are the Lions Signing Him Now?
The Chain of Events:
- Last week: Lions sign linebacker Troy Reeder at the start of training camp
- Friday practice: Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder suffers a leg injury and doesn’t return
- UPDATE (per reporter Justin Rogers): Rolder will be out "a while" — this is the direct reason for the White signing
IMPORTANT POINT
This signing is insurance. The Lions lost a young player to injury and need a veteran who knows the game right now. Devin White has played 80+ NFL games—he can step in immediately.
What This Means for the Team
The Current Starting Linebackers (The "Big Three")
These guys likely have the starting jobs locked down:
- Jack Campbell (2025 tackle leader!)
- Derrick Barnes
- Malcolm Rodriguez
Where Devin White Fits
- Primary role: Backup/reserve — the "next man up" if someone gets hurt or tired
- Best-case scenario: Earns a situational role (comes in for specific plays where his speed and experience help)
- Why he has a shot:
- Tons of NFL experience (80+ games)
- Elite athletic ability (he was a top-5 pick for a reason!)
- Just led the league in tackles last year
CALLOUT: KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Devin White = former 5th overall pick with Super Bowl ring
- Signed because rookie Jimmy Rolder got hurt (out "a while")
- Led NFL in tackles last year (174) but has poor analytical grades
- Will compete for backup role behind Campbell, Barnes, Rodriguez
- Low-risk, high-reward signing for Detroit
Summary
The Detroit Lions added veteran linebacker Devin White after rookie Jimmy Rolder suffered a leg injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. White, a former 5th overall pick who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, brings 80+ games of NFL experience and just finished 3rd in the league in tackles (174). However, he’s never graded well analytically (PFF grades below 57.0), struggling in pass coverage and run defense. He’ll compete for a primary backup role behind starters Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez, with a chance to carve out a situational niche thanks to his athleticism and experience. This is a classic low-risk, high-upside depth signing for a contending team.
FAQ
What does "5th overall pick" mean?
It means when all 32 NFL teams took turns picking the best college players in 2019, Devin White was the 5th player chosen in the entire country. That’s like being valedictorian of a very big, very talented class.
What is a "tackle" in football?
A tackle is when a defensive player stops the offensive player with the ball by bringing them to the ground or forcing them out of bounds. 174 tackles in one season is a LOT — it means White was constantly around the ball.
What is PFF and why do their grades matter?
PFF (Pro Football Focus) watches every single play of every game and grades players on a 0–100 scale. Think of it like a detailed report card. White’s grades (never above 57) suggest he misses assignments or gets beat in coverage more than coaches like, even if he makes a lot of tackles.
What’s a "situational role"?
Football has different "situations" — like 3rd down (usually a passing play) or goal line (run heavy). A situational player only comes in for specific scenarios where their skills fit best. For White, this might mean coming in on obvious passing downs to use his speed.
Is this a good signing for the Lions?
Yes, it’s a smart "depth move." They gave up almost nothing (likely a minimum contract) for a former top-5 pick with a Super Bowl ring who just led the league in tackles. If he plays well — great! If not — they have other options. Low risk, potential reward.
