Earlier this offseason Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker and Captain asked for a trade. The result of an apparent breakdown in negotiations for a long-term extension has White heading into the final year of his rookie contract without an extension.
Buccaneers’ general manager is on record saying he doesn’t plan to honor White’s request of a trade. Linebackers coach Larry Foote called the White situation “champagne problems”. Needless to say, this hasn’t gone well for White.
Friday, the Buccaneers welcomed their 2023 draft class in for Rookie Minicamp. This gave the media the first opportunity to speak to head coach Todd Bowles since the draft. Bowles was asked about where the Devin White situation is.
“No more conversation but the offseason is all voluntary so it’s not really a big deal right now. I have not [spoken to White] but our coaches have and I understand where we are at this point.”
It would seem important for the head coach to at least have had a conversation with one of his team’s captains that requested a trade. But Bowles appears to be taking the wait and see approach here.