The Detroit Lions are signing former top-five draft pick Devin White to a contract, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The addition comes as the team looks to shore up its linebacker depth following a leg injury to rookie Jimmy Rolder during training camp.
Devin White’s NFL Career Path and Recent Performance
White entered the league as the fifth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to team history. His professional career began with a rapid ascent. By his second season, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory.
Production in Tampa slowed after four seasons. White subsequently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, though he ultimately did not appear in a regular-season game for the franchise. Stints with the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders followed. During his tenure with the Raiders last year, White appeared in all 17 games and recorded 174 tackles, finishing third in the NFL in that category just behind Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell.
Did you know? Despite ranking third in the NFL with 174 tackles last season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has historically graded White below 57.0 for a single season, pointing to ongoing struggles in both coverage and run defense metrics.
Roster Impact and the Timing of the Lions’ Linebacker Additions
White’s arrival marks the second linebacker signing by the Lions within a week, following the addition of Troy Reeder at the start of training camp. According to Justin Rogers, the move to bring in White directly addresses the injury sustained by rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder during Friday’s practice. Rolder suffered a leg injury that will reportedly sideline him for “a while,” though the exact severity has not been officially detailed.
Projecting the depth chart, White will compete for a primary reserve role behind entrenched starters Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez. Observers note that his extensive starting experience and elite athletic traits give him a strong foundation to secure a situational defensive role.
Pro Tip: When evaluating late-summer linebacker additions, look past raw tackle totals and examine snap counts on special teams and sub-packages to gauge a player’s true value to the coaching staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who first reported the Devin White signing?
NFL insider Jordan Schultz first broke the news regarding the Detroit Lions signing Devin White.
Why did the Lions sign Devin White?
According to Justin Rogers, the signing is a direct response to a leg injury suffered by rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder during training camp, which will keep him out of action for an extended period.
What team did Devin White play for last season?
White played a full 17-game slate for the Las Vegas Raiders last year, recording 174 tackles.
Where does White fit on the Lions’ depth chart?
He is expected to compete for a primary reserve role behind starters Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez.
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