The Atlanta Falcons are expected to be highly active in free agency this offseason with a new coaching staff in place.
The Falcons’ primary focus this summer may very well be on offense, as that team appears to be just a few pieces away from being among the best in the league. But since defense is Raheem Morris’ priority as head coach, that side of the ball will undoubtedly receive some attention as well.
Devin White, a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a well-known figure in defense, and ESPN believes he would fit in well in Atlanta.
“White could use his second-level range to make plays in both the run and pass games, while also being deployed as a blitzer in the Falcons’ loaded fronts,” according to ESPN.
“He has 23 career sacks over five seasons with Tampa Bay, and new Falcons coach Raheem Morris could scheme him up to maximize his skill set.”
White, the No. 5 overall selection in 2019, has undoubtedly amassed some outrageous stats during his five seasons in Tampa Bay. The LSU product has amassed 566 total tackles during that time, including 40 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. In addition, he was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and a second-team All-Pro pick in 2020.
However, there are serious concerns about signing White—and not only the one who plays as the Bucs’ insignia.
His underlying statistics are really poor; this season, he finished with a pitiful PFF rating of 46. These results are especially dismal for the last two years. In the latter part of the season, he was also a healthy scratch for a number of games.
But there might be a workaround if the Falcons choose to sign White. Given his speed, he is most effective as a pass-rusher; therefore, the Falcons could benefit greatly from using him more in a hybrid edge-rusher/linebacker role.
