Lions sign Devin White to bolster LB depth
By Michael
Lions sign Devin White as LB depth move
The Detroit Lions signed linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract, Adam Schefter confirmed. The move addresses one of Detroit's noted offseason needs at the position.
White, 27, was the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made second-team All-Pro and won a Super Bowl in his second season, then earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. His play slipped after that. He signed with the Eagles in 2024 but never played a snap. He spent a half season in Houston before landing with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played all 17 games in 2025.
What his 2025 numbers actually show
White finished third in the NFL in tackles in 2025 with 174 total (95 solo), 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed, one interception, and a forced fumble. That is a strong tackle total. But PFF has never graded him above 57.0 in a season, reflecting inconsistency and tackling inefficiency that the raw numbers do not capture.
Where he fits on the Lions depth chart
Jack Campbell is Detroit's established starting linebacker and finished just ahead of White in tackles in 2025. White's role in Detroit, whether starter, rotational, or depth, is not yet defined. Nothing about this signing suggests Campbell is moving anywhere.
IDP fantasy impact
For standard redraft or PPR formats, this signing has no impact. In IDP leagues that reward tackles, White has volume upside if he earns a starting role. At the moment, that is not confirmed. He is worth monitoring in IDP formats as camp approaches, but only Campbell warrants a roster spot right now. If Campbell misses time, White's tackle floor becomes relevant fast.