The Dallas Cowboys could sign former Pro Bowl physical linebacker Devin White when free agency begins next month. Jerry Jones isn’t shy about saying publicly that the Cowboys are “all in” for 2024. His team’s goals are to be physically stronger and “run stop” as roster goals for next season. If Jones sticks to his word, he will likely sign White, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker who is pending free agency.
White has accomplishments that demonstrate his athleticism and determination to win a Super Bowl. Not only that, but he’s only 25 years old, and that age alone could pique the Cowboys’ interest. Dallas has always had the goal of building a young roster that way every year. Another thing to note is that White is a top first-round pick who can play the run as an off-ball linebacker.
Last season, the Cowboys were light on linebacker due to Leighton Vander Esch’s season-ending injury. It’s still unclear whether he’ll return, so the Cowboys could focus on building their roster at linebacker. He was able to build a foundation of physicality on defense, especially after hiring Mike Zimmer. Talking heads are still in the dark about the direction and details of the team’s defensive plan.
Adding a physical player like White could build a promising roster of potential talent. The Cowboys will have to come up with a plan after Dan Quinn leaves to join the Washington Commanders. But while Jones hasn’t had a habit of adding big names in recent decades, there’s still a chance that could change.
“Be more physical!” #Cowboys It is expected that LB Devin White will be signed. Jerry Jones Plan? https://t.co/du82wgFopr @DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/JmEJRmUEjL
— Fish Sports ✭ (@fishsports) February 14, 2024
Dallas Cowboys may sign former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White
Why he could appear soon
White has been one of the league’s most consistent linebackers over the past few seasons. From 2020 to 2022, he recorded at least 124 tackles each year. He has the 10th most tackles in the NFL since the 2020 season. However, Pro Football Focus never portrayed White as a defensive player.
The 25-year-old has a defensive rating of 46.0, but that statistic can be misleading and some will argue that it’s just a number. He could still contribute to a team that struggles in run defense. Dallas has struggled with this particular part of their defense, especially after losing Vander Esch last season. White scored the most defensive touchdowns and had the most fumble recoveries as a rookie in a single season with the Buccaneers.
If he can replicate what he did early in his NFL career, he’ll be able to compete while he’s still young. White is expected to make $10.7 million annually on a two-year contract worth a total of $21.5 million. He doesn’t seem like a bad deal for the Cowboys’ cap space, but he could be cheaper. White typically plays the left inside linebacker position, but if Dallas acquires him, they could move him to the weakside position.
Fall of Vander Esch
Unfortunately, Vander Esch’s career may end in the NFL. He suffered a career-threatening neck injury last season, and it is unclear at this time whether he will return. This is the fifth time in his football career that he has sustained this type of injury. If the Cowboys cut him, he would carry a $2.3 million dead cap hit, but he would save $2.1 in cap space.
White could never replace Vander Esch, but he’s still a capable veteran with many years to come. He is rated the seventh-best linebacker on the market, according to Pro Football Focus.
