The Houston Texans have signed linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowler, following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month. White had joined the Eagles on a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency but did not appear in any of their first four games. He also missed the fifth game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his former team, due to personal reasons. His release by Philadelphia now gives him a fresh start with Houston.
According to reports, the Eagles and White reached a mutual decision for his release ahead of the NFL trade deadline, allowing him to avoid going through waivers. This move enabled White to select his next destination freely, with the Texans being the team he ultimately chose. The Texans, currently facing challenges on defense, saw an opportunity to add depth and experience with White’s signing.
Devin White initially made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he quickly emerged as a top-tier linebacker. His breakout season came in 2020 when he led the team in tackles, posted 9 sacks, and made key plays throughout their Super Bowl run. Despite missing a wild-card game due to COVID-19, White made an impact in the postseason, including a pick-six in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
White followed up his stellar 2020 season with a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, amassing 128 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2022, he continued to produce with 124 tackles and 5.5 sacks. However, in 2023, injuries to his foot and groin limited his effectiveness, and he was eventually replaced in the Buccaneers’ starting lineup by K.J. Britt. White had requested a trade prior to that season but ended up completing his contract with Tampa Bay.
Now with the Texans, White is aiming to regain his form and bring veteran leadership to a young team in need of defensive help. His experience with Tampa Bay and his proven ability to perform at a high level in key moments could provide a much-needed boost for Houston’s struggling defense. The Texans hope White’s presence will be a stabilizing factor as they look to turn their season around.
