Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Devin White Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Former top-five pick refused to play for Buccaneers in Week 15

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 12/17/23

There may be some doubts about Devin White’s long-term future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the linebacker seemingly took himself out of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers ahead of kickoff.

After missing the last two contests with a foot injury, White was a full participant in practice ahead of Sunday’s showdown and appeared poised to make his return. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, though, when White learned the team still planned to start backup linebacker K.J. Britt, he abruptly informed the Buccaneers that he “couldn’t go.” The team responded by making him inactive.

Coach Todd Bowles confirmed that the Buccaneers made the call after White informed them he “couldn’t go.” Stroud added that White’s attitude had "not sat well” with teammates or coaches, even before Sunday.

Breaking: #Bucs Devin White said he "couldn't go,' and was made inactive but the team planned to start K.J. Britt at inside linebacker. I'm told White's attitude has not sat well recently with some teammates and coaches. https://t.co/wO96K0TuAH

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 17, 2023

One has to wonder if time is running out on White’s tenure with the Buccaneers. The former No. 5 overall pick is in the final year of his rookie deal and did not get an extension, prompting a trade request prior to the start of the regular season. The situation was never resolved, though White did not sit out any games over it.

White will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. One has to wonder if things have become toxic between the two parties and it might be time for them to part ways.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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