Bucs general manager Jason Licht addressed Devin White’s request for a trade over his displeasure with contract negotiations during his annual pre-draft press conference on Thursday. Licht said on the record what he’s told reporters all week – the Bucs have no intention of trading him.

“No intention,” Licht said. “We have all the respect in the world for Devin. He’s done some great things for us as a player, and we look forward to more from him in the future. He’s on our team, we are looking forward to this season, and we’re gearing up for this season with the draft right now and free agency. Looking forward to him being a part of this team. If he has the kind of year we all think he’s capable of, we can hopefully put this to rest, and everybody’s happy.”

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Matt Matera/PR

Licht didn’t use any strong language regarding White’s current contract stance, but carefully listen to what Tampa Bay’s general manager said and it’s clear he expects White to suit up and play on his fifth-year option this season. Only then will the Bucs consider signing White to the lucrative long-term contract that he’s seeking, worth north of the $20 million that Baltimore All-Pro Roquan Smith got last year and totaling more than $100 million.

White, who was drafted by the Bucs with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 Draft, is set to make $11.706 million on his fifth-year option in 2023. He would then be due for a big second contract next offseason from Tampa Bay or anyone else in free agency – unless the Bucs re-sign White or use the franchise tag on him.

White wants to be a $100 million linebacker now rather than waiting to play another season. And while an extension this year would lower his cap hit for this season, the Bucs are waiting to decide if he’s worth such an investment. They want to see more consistency from play to play and game to game before deciding to potentially entertain his contract demands.

Will Devin White Hold Out Of Offseason, Training Camp?

Licht was asked whether or not he thought White might hold out of mandatory mini-camp or training camp in a contract dispute.

“I can’t look in the future,” Licht said. “We have the utmost respect for Devin, and it’s part of this business of this job that we have that I don’t like. He’s a competitor. He’s a player. Everybody holds him in high regard.”

Bucs ILB Devin White – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Licht indicated that this is just business between White and the Bucs and there is nothing personal about the linebacker’s stance.

“This isn’t something I’m holding against Devin. I still believe he’s a tremendous person,” Licht said.

White has flashed signs of brilliance at different points of his career and played a key role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl LV run. He recovered a fumble and intercepted Drew Brees in an NFC Divisional Round win over the Saints, and later intercepted Patrick Mahomes to keep the Chiefs out of the end zone in the Super Bowl, which Tampa Bay won 31-9.

White had issues with consistency towards the end of the 2021 season when Lavonte David was out of the lineup for several games, though that season saw him earn his first Pro Bowl selection. Then, in 2022, it was much more of an up-and-down year for the speedy linebacker, and he came under fire during the season for some poor play.

White was struggling to get off blocks and making some costly mistakes, which hurt the Bucs defense. To his credit, he cleaned his game up and played better down the stretch of the season.

Will The Bucs Draft Another Inside Linebacker This Year?

White’s current stance with his request to be traded, combined with the fact that the 33-year old David was only re-signed for one year, could prompt the Bucs to draft an inside linebacker this year to possibly replace White this year or David next year.

Iowa LB Jack Campbell – Photo by: USA Today

“This is going back a few years – we’ve come very close to taking inside linebackers high just because we know the depth of that position and how important it is,” Licht said. “Not to necessarily replace Devin and Lavonte in the last few years at all – the last few years depth has proven to be one of the things that has been related to our success in winning the Super Bowl. You’re always … we’re never not looking at the middle linebackers or the inside linebackers.”

There might not be an inside linebacker drafted in the first round of this year’s draft. Licht said that this year’s draft class of linebackers is not deep nor as talented as in other years.

“There are always some good players at every position in every draft, but I wouldn’t say that is a strength of this draft,” Licht said. “But we’re always looking. If it’s at the right time at the right place and the right fit we wouldn’t be afraid to take one.”