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With training camp underway, the Detroit Lions have officially wrapped up the week. When the team returns to practice Monday, there will be a new face on the roster.
After outside linebacker Jimmy Rolder suffered an injury during Friday’s practice, the Lions signed veteran linebacker Devin White.
White is entering his eighth NFL season and brings plenty of experience to Detroit. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020 while helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. At just 28 years old, White is on his third team in three seasons.
Last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, White started all 17 games and finished with 174 total tackles, 133 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hits. His 11 tackles for loss were the second-most of his career, trailing only his 2020 All-Pro campaign.
Despite his production, White struggled in Pro Football Focus’ grading system. He earned a 40.7 overall defensive grade in 2025, ranking 82nd among 88 qualified linebackers. His 36.1 coverage grade ranked 79th, while his 47.0 run-defense grade ranked 80th. His 69.0 pass-rush grade was much stronger, ranking 29th at the position.
White also generated 13 total pressures, including three sacks as a blitzer, allowed a 92.5 passer rating when targeted in coverage and was charged with 26 missed tackles.
His 133 solo tackles led all NFL linebackers, while his 1,118 defensive snaps ranked second among the position.
White’s PFF grades throughout his career have consistently ranked near the bottom of the league:
* 2025 — 40.7 (85th of 91 linebackers)
* 2023 — 46.1 (83rd of 86)
* 2022 — 45.4 (81st of 91)
* 2021 — 36.2 (83rd of 92)
* 2020 — 43.4 (86th of 97)
* 2019 — 51.9 (73rd of 95)
Over his career, White has totaled 759 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 71 quarterback hits, 25.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, 24 passes defended and four interceptions.
Not everyone is optimistic about the signing. One Raiders fan wrote on X, “I can tell you that White doesn’t pass the eye test. It was hard to watch him play last season without grimacing. He’s still a guy that can rotate in occasionally but is not starting material.”
For Detroit, however, White is not expected to step into a starting role. Instead, he’ll provide depth and competition at linebacker while Rolder recovers.
Lions beat reporter Justin Rogers reported, “Devin White signing is directly tied to Jimmy Rolder’s practice exit on Friday. A source confirmed the rookie will be out ‘for a while.’”
While Rolder’s injury is unfortunate, Detroit acted quickly by bringing in a veteran who can immediately contribute in training camp and compete for a roster spot.
White certainly has a chance to make the 53-man roster, but it won’t be easy. Much will depend on the severity of Rolder’s injury. If Rolder opens the season on the physically unable to perform list, it could create an opportunity for White to stick around.
Overall, I like the signing, but I think some Lions fans may get overly excited by White’s résumé. Seeing “second-team All-Pro” attached to his name could create expectations that he can immediately make a major impact. Realistically, White is more likely to compete for a backup or rotational role than become a difference-maker on Detroit’s defense.
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After outside linebacker Jimmy Rolder suffered an injury during Friday’s practice, the Lions signed veteran linebacker Devin White.
White is entering his eighth NFL season and brings plenty of experience to Detroit. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020 while helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. At just 28 years old, White is on his third team in three seasons.
Last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, White started all 17 games and finished with 174 total tackles, 133 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and seven quarterback hits. His 11 tackles for loss were the second-most of his career, trailing only his 2020 All-Pro campaign.
Despite his production, White struggled in Pro Football Focus’ grading system. He earned a 40.7 overall defensive grade in 2025, ranking 82nd among 88 qualified linebackers. His 36.1 coverage grade ranked 79th, while his 47.0 run-defense grade ranked 80th. His 69.0 pass-rush grade was much stronger, ranking 29th at the position.
White also generated 13 total pressures, including three sacks as a blitzer, allowed a 92.5 passer rating when targeted in coverage and was charged with 26 missed tackles.
His 133 solo tackles led all NFL linebackers, while his 1,118 defensive snaps ranked second among the position.
White’s PFF grades throughout his career have consistently ranked near the bottom of the league:
* 2025 — 40.7 (85th of 91 linebackers)
* 2023 — 46.1 (83rd of 86)
* 2022 — 45.4 (81st of 91)
* 2021 — 36.2 (83rd of 92)
* 2020 — 43.4 (86th of 97)
* 2019 — 51.9 (73rd of 95)
Over his career, White has totaled 759 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 71 quarterback hits, 25.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, 24 passes defended and four interceptions.
Not everyone is optimistic about the signing. One Raiders fan wrote on X, “I can tell you that White doesn’t pass the eye test. It was hard to watch him play last season without grimacing. He’s still a guy that can rotate in occasionally but is not starting material.”
For Detroit, however, White is not expected to step into a starting role. Instead, he’ll provide depth and competition at linebacker while Rolder recovers.
Lions beat reporter Justin Rogers reported, “Devin White signing is directly tied to Jimmy Rolder’s practice exit on Friday. A source confirmed the rookie will be out ‘for a while.’”
While Rolder’s injury is unfortunate, Detroit acted quickly by bringing in a veteran who can immediately contribute in training camp and compete for a roster spot.
White certainly has a chance to make the 53-man roster, but it won’t be easy. Much will depend on the severity of Rolder’s injury. If Rolder opens the season on the physically unable to perform list, it could create an opportunity for White to stick around.
Overall, I like the signing, but I think some Lions fans may get overly excited by White’s résumé. Seeing “second-team All-Pro” attached to his name could create expectations that he can immediately make a major impact. Realistically, White is more likely to compete for a backup or rotational role than become a difference-maker on Detroit’s defense.
Continue reading...
