Texans Add Pro Bowl Linebacker Devin White to Bolster Defense Amid Injury Concerns
- Oct 23, 2024
- 3 min read
The Houston Texans made a splash on Wednesday by signing former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White, who was recently released by the Philadelphia Eagles. This move comes as a much-needed boost to a linebacker corps facing uncertainty due to injuries.
White, 26, initially joined the Eagles on a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency but struggled to find his footing, remaining inactive for Philadelphia’s first four games. He missed the fifth game against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for personal reasons. A source told ESPN’s Tim McManus that the Eagles granted White's release before the trade deadline to allow him to avoid waivers and choose his next destination. The Texans, looking to add depth and experience, wasted no time in bringing him aboard.
A Proven Playmaker
White has a well-documented history as a playmaker since entering the league in 2019 with the Buccaneers, where he quickly established himself as a key defensive contributor. In his rookie season, he earned NFL All-Rookie Team honors, and by 2020, White had become a vital part of Tampa Bay's championship-winning defense. He led the Buccaneers with 140 combined tackles (97 solo), adding 9 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and four passes defended during the regular season. Despite missing the wild-card playoff game due to COVID-19, he played a crucial role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl LV run, tallying 38 postseason tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions, including one against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl victory.
His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, when he recorded 128 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The following season, he put up 124 tackles and 5.5 sacks, maintaining his reputation as a reliable, hard-hitting linebacker. However, his production dipped last year, when injuries limited him to 13 starts. He still managed 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks but was eventually replaced by K.J. Britt down the stretch due to foot and groin issues. After requesting a trade ahead of the 2023 season, White ultimately played out the final year of his rookie deal in Tampa before joining the Eagles.
The Texans’ Linebacker Room: Cause for Concern?
While adding White is a promising move, it also signals potential underlying concerns regarding the health of the Texans’ linebacker corps. With starter Christian Harris dealing with a calf injury and Azeez Al-Shaair facing an uncertain timeline for his return from a knee injury, White's arrival could be a sign that these issues are more significant than initially anticipated.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former linebacker himself, has a strong track record of developing linebackers, and he will look to maximize White’s athleticism and potential. White’s versatility and playmaking ability could allow him to seamlessly integrate into Ryans’ defensive scheme, which has emphasized aggressive play and creating turnovers. Yet, the team may still lean on familiar faces like Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen, who have shown they can step up when called upon. Both players performed admirably in the recent win over the Green Bay Packers, and Hewitt also shined against the Patriots, filling in for Al-Shaair.
A Strategic Depth Move with High Upside
Signing White adds another layer of depth to the Texans’ defense, which has shown promise despite recent injury setbacks. His age, athleticism, and past performance suggest that he still possesses significant upside, making this a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Texans team that is building its identity under Ryans. If White can recapture his early-career form, he could become an integral part of Houston’s defensive resurgence.
For Texans fans, the move represents a proactive approach to address lingering uncertainties at the linebacker position. While it raises questions about the severity of Harris’ and Al-Shaair’s injuries, it also provides reassurance that the team is committed to remaining competitive and prepared for whatever challenges may lie ahead.
Overall, bringing in a player of White’s caliber reflects a positive step in bolstering a defense aiming to continue its growth and resilience throughout the season. With Ryans’ ability to bring out the best in his linebackers, the potential is there for White to thrive in his new surroundings. The coming weeks will reveal just how quickly he can make an impact as the Texans push forward with their playoff aspirations.
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