The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are arguably at the beginning of a rebuilding process that could take some time after seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady retired shortly after the end of the 2022 campaign for the franchise.
The team didn’t take long to find Brady’s successor as Tampa Bay agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield, but he is far from a long-term fix, meaning the team might be preparing for a rough road ahead.
Along with the drastic change at the quarterback position, the Buccaneers are currently dealing with a disgruntled one-time Pro Bowler in linebacker Devin White.
White has reportedly asked the team to trade him after he and the team couldn’t see eye-to-eye on a new contract, and after his contract demands surfaced, it’s clear to see why the team isn’t jumping at the opportunity to sign him long-term.
According to Jenna Laine of ESPN via Dov Kleiman, White is asking up to $20 million per season from the Buccaneers.
update: #Bucs LB Devin White is seeking between $18-$20 million per year on his next contract, per @JennaLaineESPN pic.twitter.com/tZGmYLlA9F
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 13, 2023
Here are some fan reactions to the outrageous contract demands from White:
— TrashCrew FC (@trashcrewfc) April 13, 2023
damn pic.twitter.com/c5JBt4csqg
—Brian Branch Is An Eagle🦅🦅 (@HurtsMVPSZN) April 13, 2023
After a down year I don’t see how he gets that. I think he’s a much better player than he played last season, but still coming off that and asking for this is a bit wild
— is it the draft yet (@flyeaglesfly951) April 13, 2023
He is bad vs the pass and historically bad vs the run. Devin White is a backup linebacker.
—Eric (@EltonPuka) April 13, 2023
Of course, if the Buccaneers are rebuilding, there’s no way the team will commit to a player that shouldn’t be demanding such a high number for his services, and trading him might be the way to go if they can convince a team to take him on.
Although White is talented, he’s not considered among the best at his position and likely won’t come close to the number he’s demanding annually.
It’ll be interesting to see how this situation pans out and if the two sides can see eye-to-eye on a new deal or a trade.
NEXT:
Bucs GM Has A Telling Admission Before The NFL Draft
