The Seattle Seahawks present a promising destination for a former Pro Bowl Super Bowl champion, according to insights from the NFL staff at Bleacher Report. The suggestion is for the Seahawks to explore the possibility of signing Devin White, a former linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Given that Seahawks’ linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Devin Bush are set to become free agents in the 2024 offseason, the team might be in the market for a suitable replacement. Devin White, who expressed a desire for a trade in the previous offseason, will also become a free agent after the current season.
As key players like Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks, and Devin Bush are approaching the end of their contracts, Seattle is anticipated to seek at least one new linebacker in the upcoming offseason. White’s athleticism aligns with the team’s preferences for the position, and his consistent high productivity, with over 120 total tackles each year from 2020 to 2022, makes him an attractive option.
While Devin White is currently performing well with 60 tackles in nine games at 25 years old, the Buccaneers might consider allowing him to enter free agency due to the substantial market interest he is expected to generate. According to Spotrac, White’s projected market value stands at $20.1 million per season over four years, totaling $80.4 million. The Bleacher Report staff envisions White as a potential “foundational” defensive piece alongside emerging talents like Devon Witherspoon and Boye Mafe.
However, caution is advised for the Seahawks when it comes to pursuing Devin White, as advanced analytics present a less flattering perspective. White ranks unfavorably among starting linebackers in the NFL, with a 37.4 defensive grade, 31.7 run defensive grade, and a 42.8 grade in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his impressive reputation, White falls at the bottom in both defensive and run defensive grades, also landing among the bottom four in coverage grade among linebackers with at least 200 snaps.
The Seahawks should approach a potential deal with White carefully, especially considering his on-field performance may not align with his reputation. The team’s limited salary cap space for the 2024 offseason, projected at just $2.5 million, and existing financial commitments to other players, including significant amounts allocated to safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, may impact their ability to outbid other teams for White’s services. In contrast, Jordyn Brooks, with a market value of $13.8 million per season, has demonstrated solid performance, earning an overall 67.4 defensive grade, making him a compelling candidate for re-signing. While Devin White may have a more significant name recognition as a former Pro Bowler, the Seahawks could find it more pragmatic to retain Brooks.
DJ Siddiqi, covering the NFL for Heavy.com, focuses on the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He brings extensive experience from Forbes, ClutchPoints, CBS Sports, 24/7 Sports, and Bleacher Report to his role at Heavy.
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