Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White (45) Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs LB Devin White: ‘I’m stupid for trying to leave’

By Max Steele | Last updated 9/18/23

Devin White is glad he stayed for the party.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) are off to a surprisingly hot start, claiming hard-fought wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. Many didn't think the post-Tom Brady team would amount to much, including the team's All-Pro linebacker — who requested a trade back in April.

White admitted his offseason mistake in an Instagram comment Monday morning.

"This defense is so fun to be a part of. I'm stupid for trying to leave!"

#GoBucs LB Devin White’s season has gotten off to a tremendous start. White requested a trade in the offseason and after two games is regretting that decision with how dominant this #Bucs defense has been. pic.twitter.com/MmzrZkYKsY
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) September 18, 2023

White, a first-round pick in 2019, picked up his fifth-year option but seeks to "be a long-term guy" and become one of the league's highest-paid LBs. The Pro Bowler said his trade request was "a little selfish" and is locked in for the season, but expects a pay day in the near future.

And after how he's been playing, he deserves it.

The Tampa Bay defense has impressed so far, holding the Vikings and Bears to 17 points each and only 605 total offensive yards. White co-leads the team in tackles (14) alongside safety Ryan Neal and has been instrumental in leading game-defining stops.

The stout defense has not only halted opponents, but also allowed new quarterback Baker Mayfield and his offense to get rolling — which took time during the season opener in Minnesota.

Devin White bounces Kirk's head off the turf on a hard tackle here#TBvsMIN pic.twitter.com/aFFJ8STdHt
— crunchypuddle (@crunchypuddle1) September 10, 2023

If White continues to perform, he'll likely seek a contract similar to Ravens LB Roquan Smith's five-year, $100 million deal going forward.

The Bucs have expressed they don't want to trade White, but are drowning in dead money — a league-high $77,056,032 to be exact, according to OverTheCap.com. The team also hopes to keep franchise wide receiver Mike Evans in town, who will enter free agency at the end of the season.

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