The Detroit Lions are signing linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract, adding a veteran defender with a championship ring and a track record of production to their linebacker room.
The move comes as the Lions continue to shape their depth at the position. Rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder’s injury was reported on Friday, and White’s arrival gives Detroit another experienced option behind Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez.
What White brings to Detroit
White started all 17 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season and finished with 174 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and one interception. That followed a 2024 season in which he signed with the Houston Texans and played in seven games after earlier joining the Raiders on a one-year deal in March of last year.
Detroit is getting a player whose career resume still carries real weight. White was selected fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, earned Second Team All-Pro honors in 2020 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2021. He was also voted No. 28 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list.
Why the Lions made the move now
The timing makes sense for a team with early camp and preseason decisions ahead. The Lions are scheduled to begin the exhibition portion of their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 13, so adding another veteran linebacker now gives the coaching staff time to evaluate the group before the games count for roster spots.
White also arrives with a history of winning on the biggest stage. He helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV and had an interception of Patrick Mahomes in that game. He played at LSU before entering the NFL Draft, and his career has included stretches of high-volume production, including 759 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 24 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and four interceptions overall.
For Detroit, the move is a low-risk way to add experience, speed and depth. White has had some uneven stretches in recent years, including a trade request from the Buccaneers in 2023 and shorter stays with Houston and Las Vegas, but his last season showed he can still handle a full-time role. The Lions will now see whether that form carries over into a new system and a new opportunity in Detroit.
