Raiders hope Devin White can get back to Pro Bowl level, make impact

Devin White, linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders, expresses confidence in his career accomplishments despite recent setbacks. He dismisses concerns about others forgetting his contributions to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV win and his 2021 Pro Bowl selection. While acknowledging shaky recent seasons, including a decline in tackles and limited playing time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans after leaving Tampa Bay, the 27-year-old White believes he still has much to offer. He states he doesn't need external approval but hopes his time with the Raiders reminds people of his abilities, both as a locker room leader and a Pro Bowl-caliber performer, emphasizing he still has goals to achieve.

The Raiders signed White to a one-year deal as part of a significant offseason overhaul of their linebacker room, following the free agency departures of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. White joined Elandon Roberts and Germaine Pratt as new additions. Linebackers coach John Glenn acknowledged losing key players but viewed it as an opportunity for new faces and fresh starts.

White cited his relationship with Raiders general manager John Spytek as the primary reason for signing with Las Vegas. Their connection dates back to their time together with the Buccaneers, where Spytek (then Tampa Bay's director of player personnel) had dinner with White and visited him in Baton Rouge before the 2019 NFL Draft. White described their bond as genuine, noting Spytek's children used to wear his jersey. White was drafted 5th overall by Tampa Bay, accumulating 566 tackles, 23 sacks, and 21 passes defended in 76 games.

This established relationship led White to make the Raiders his first free-agent visit of the offseason. He was drawn to head coach Antonio Pierce's authenticity and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's plans for utilizing him on the field. White was also receptive to the challenge of helping Pierce and Spytek reverse the Raiders' fortunes after three consecutive losing seasons.