Oh, did someone say the Eagles need a linebacker?
Howie was listening.
The Eagles on Thursday night agreed to a one-year free agent contract with former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White worth up to $7.5 million, including incentives. The move was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by NBC Sports Philadelphia.
White, who just turned 26 last month, was the No. 5 pick in the 2019 draft and was a five-year starter for the Buccaneers.he was 2n.d.– Was selected to the All-Pro team in 2020 and played in the Pro Bowl in 2021.
White played on the Buccaneers' team that defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV in Tampa and also played in playoff victories over the Eagles in 2021 and 2023.
Although it's only a one-year deal, it's still a significant move for a general manager who rarely pays off-ball linebackers much more than minimum wage. The last player was Nigel Bradham, who received a five-year, $40 million contract extension in 2018. He only played in two of those seasons.
During his five seasons in Tampa, White started 76 of 83 games and had three interceptions, 21 pass deflections, 23 sacks, 566 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 64 quarterback hits. .
One of his two interceptions last year came from Jalen Hurts inside the Bucs' 20-yard line in the Eagles' 25-11 win in Tampa in Week 3.
If you never expected to see Roseman spend money on a Pro Bowl running back and a Pro Bowl linebacker this offseason, get in line.
But desperate times call for desperate measures, and after the Eagles collapsed last year, Roseman knew it was time to do something different.
On Monday, the Eagles agreed to terms with Saquon Barkley on a three-year, $37.75 million contract. This is the first time Roseman has signed a running back to a long-term, high-paying contract since extending LeSean McCoy in 2012.
White requested a trade before training camp last summer after failing to negotiate a new contract with the Bucks. But after the Bucks went 2-0 in late September, he had a change of heart.
“It's so much fun to be a part of this defense,” he wrote on social media. “I’m an idiot for trying to leave!”
I always take Pro Football Focus' grades with a bit of a grain of salt, but White was ranked 64th in last year's rankings.th Of 66 off-ball linebackers who played at least 500 snaps and had an overall grade of 46.0.
However, the Eagles lost six players last year: Nicholas Morrow (12 starts), Zach Cunningham (10 starts), Nakobe Dean (4 starts), Shaquille Leonard (3 starts), and Christian Ellis and Ben VanSmeren. After cycling starters, they are in desperate need of help at linebacker. 1 start). Of that group, only Dean and Van Smelen are currently on the roster.
The Eagles ranked near the bottom in nearly every defensive category last year, including points allowed (30 points).th25.6 yards per game), passing yards (31 yards)cent253 per game) and total yards (356 per game), first downs (21, 29 per game)th) and 3rd-Down conversion (30th48 percent).
The Eagles haven't had a Pro Bowl off-ball linebacker since Jeremiah Trotter in 2004.
White is the fourth defensive addition Roseman has added since Monday. The Eagles signed edge Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract, edge/linebacker/special teamer Zach Bohm to a one-year contract, and D-back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to a three-year, $33 million contract. signed a contract. He also re-signed Brandon Graham to a one-year deal.
Defensive losses so far include the retirement of Fletcher Cox and the release of defensive backs Kevin Byard and Avonte Maddox. Morrow signed with the Bills, but the Eagles had no interest in bringing him back.
Offensively, in addition to Barkley, the Eagles signed interior lineman Matt Hennessey and receiver DeVante Parker.
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