The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are experiencing a rough patch following their 2021 performance that led them to an 8-9 record, including the loss of their legendary quarterback Tom Brady to retirement, and now, Devin White’s trade request. White, the former No. 5 overall pick, recently requested a trade after realizing that Tampa Bay showed no intention of extending his contract. Although Tampa Bay’s general manager has declared an unwillingness to entertain the idea of trading Devin, his request shows that the player may not be content with the team’s current direction.
The move may have come as a surprise, given that White played an instrumental role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV triumph and his subsequent first Pro Bowl victory in 2021. He will earn $11.706 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, but the lack of action to extend his stay in Tampa has frustrated the 25-year-old linebacker. This situation should be a call to action for Tampa Bay and its general manager, Jason Licht, to reevaluate their stance in dealing with players that have given their all to the team.
The Buccaneers have come a long way, as far as the team’s journey to the apex of the football world is concerned. However, their current state calls for more to be done to keep holding their heads above water while keeping vital players like White on the team. If anything, the trade request shows that all is not well in Tampa Bay, and meaningful steps must be put in place to remedy the situation.
Hendon Hooker: The Third-Best QB in the 2023 NFL Draft
Hendon Hooker stands as one of the top quarterbacks to look out for in the 2023 NFL draft. The Tennessee star has continued to improve each season, showing his significant potential as a quarterback. As the team’s starting QB in 2020, he led the Vols to a 3-7 record, with 1,555 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He also posted an 86.8 QBR, ranking him ninth nationally, with a passer rating of 140.3.
In 2021, Hooker started in seven games, throwing for 2,065 yards and 18 touchdowns, with four interceptions. He also rushed for 569 yards and three touchdowns on 92 carries, making him the fourth quarterback in Tennessee history to throw for at least 2,000 yards and rush for at least 500 in a single season.
Hooker’s proficiency as a passer and runner places him as one of the most versatile quarterbacks to look out for, and his potential for growth in the NFL is almost endless. Although he may not be the best quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, Hendon Hooker seems poised to go early and make a significant impact in the NFL.
In conclusion, the NFL landscape continues to change, with players looking out for their interests while striving to make a meaningful career in the game. In Tampa Bay’s case, the team needs to reinvest and show commitments towards vital players such as Devin White. On the other hand, prospects like Hendon Hooker give hope to a new generation of athletes eager to make their mark in the NFL.
Read Also: Man Who Tackled Colorado Rockies’ Mascot During Game Cited for Assault
Recommended: The NBA playoffs started already?