Lions Sign LB Devin White to 1-Year Deal After 174-Tackle Season

The Detroit Lions signed former All-Pro linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract on Saturday following a season where he recorded a career-high 174 tackles.

The Detroit Lions officially finalized a one-year contract with linebacker Devin White on Saturday, adding the former Pro Bowler to the active roster. This transaction occurred less than 24 hours after rookie defender Jimmy Rolder exited Friday’s practice session to undergo medical evaluation for a leg injury. White, who is 28 years old, arrives in Michigan following a 2023 stint where he started all 17 regular-season games, a feat he had not accomplished since his 2022 campaign in Florida.

Key details

During his most recent full season, the linebacker amassed a career-best 174 tackles, paired with 2.5 sacks and a single forced fumble. This statistical output placed him among only 13 players in NFL history to exceed the 170-tackle mark in one year since the league began tracking the metric in 1994. The veteran reached double-digit tackle totals in eight individual matchups throughout that schedule. However, his efficiency in space showed vulnerability, as he surrendered 62 completions on 75 targets, totaling 498 yards and two scores against his coverage.

Opposing quarterbacks achieved an 82.7% completion rate when targeting the linebacker across 503 defensive snaps in passing situations. Despite these metrics, his ability to track ball carriers remained elite, resulting in a 97.7 passer rating allowed during his time on the field. The Detroit front office prioritized his high-volume production to mitigate the sudden loss of depth in the middle of the defense.

White’s professional trajectory began as the fifth overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over a five-year tenure with that organization, he participated in 76 contests and generated 566 tackles alongside 23 sacks. His most impactful stretch occurred in 2020, a season defined by 140 tackles and nine sacks that culminated in a Super Bowl LV victory. That performance served as the foundation for his Pro Bowl honors received the following calendar year.

Latest developments

Statistically, the linebacker occupies a rare tier of defensive production over the last half-decade. Since entering the league in 2019, he is one of just three active players to record a minimum of 500 tackles and 20 sacks. His career totals now stand at 759 tackles and 25.5 sacks across 100 total appearances in the professional ranks. This longevity was a key factor in the Lions' decision to offer a contract during the late stages of the season.

Before landing in Detroit, White’s 2024 journey included a brief period with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a one-year deal with the NFC East club but never saw game action, remaining inactive for the first four weeks before his eventual release. He subsequently moved to the Houston Texans, appearing in seven games and contributing 19 tackles to their defensive unit before becoming available for the Lions to sign.

The Detroit coaching staff now integrates a player who has logged significant minutes in high-pressure postseason environments. While his missed tackle rate and coverage percentages have fluctuated, his 17-game start streak last year proves his durability in a league where availability is paramount. The Saturday announcement ensures that the Lions have a veteran presence ready to fill the void left by Rolder’s recent lower-body ailment.

White’s arrival marks a strategic shift for the Lions' defense as they prepare for the upcoming schedule. By securing a player with 25.5 career sacks, the team gains a blitzing threat from the second level that few available free agents could provide. The one-year agreement offers a low-risk opportunity for the franchise to evaluate his fit within their specific scheme while addressing immediate personnel shortages. Fans can expect to see the number 5 pick from 2019 competing for snaps immediately as the team adjusts its defensive rotations.