There’s no chip on Devin White’s shoulder. At least, that’s what he says.
The new Raiders linebacker isn’t interested in proving anyone wrong. He’s not here for redemption arcs or revenge games. But he is here to remind people what he can do-and to show Las Vegas that he can still be that guy.
White knows the narrative. Former top-five pick. Super Bowl champion with Tampa Bay. Pro Bowler in 2021. And then… a slide. His numbers dipped last year. He left the Bucs in free agency, didn’t play a snap with the Eagles, and had a quiet, part-time stint in Houston. But the 27-year-old says he’s healthy now, locked in, and ready to lead.
“I’ve still got goals to hit,” White said. “They’ll see. They’ll remember.”
A New Look Defense, and a GM Who Believes in Him
White’s move to the Raiders wasn’t random. He came to Vegas because of GM John Spytek-the same guy who scouted him coming out of LSU and helped draft him in Tampa Bay. Their relationship made Vegas White’s first stop in free agency. It didn’t take long to say yes.
The Raiders needed him, too. With Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo gone, the linebacker room was wide open. White, Elandon Roberts (formerly of the Steelers), and Germaine Pratt (a consistent producer with the Bengals) were all added on one-year deals. It’s a prove-it season across the board.
“We’re excited about this group,”linebackers coach John Glenn said. “Devin brings speed, leadership, and flexibility. He can play Mike or Will, and he understands how to lead a room.”
Healthy, Motivated, and Ready to Compete
Last season, White was banged up-dealing with a lingering foot issue that zapped some of his explosiveness. He says that’s behind him now. “It was triggering, trying to play through it,” he said. “Now I feel like myself again.”
That’s good news for a defense that wants to get faster and tougher. In early workouts, White has taken first-team reps alongside Roberts, though Pratt-arguably the best pure linebacker on the roster-is pushing for a starting role. Pete Carroll isn’t concerned about the rotation.
“We might use all three,” the new Raiders coach said. “They’re downhill, physical players. That’s our style.”
White’s presence has already been felt in the locker room. Teammates like safety Isaiah Pola-Mao say he brings a coach-like voice on the field, setting the tone both mentally and physically. That kind of presence is hard to teach.
And for a Raiders team trying to shake off three straight losing seasons, it might be exactly what they need.
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