The Eagles signed a linebacker, and he’s a former top five pick:

Devin White? THAT Devin White? The guy who had 12 Super Bowl tackles and the late interception to close out the Chiefs?

That’s one of the positives. The guy’s still-somewhat-recent ceiling was stud linebacker on a championship team. We’re talking Pro-Bowl, All-Pro, a title winner who played his college ball in the SEC. 76 NFL games played, 23 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, three picks, and six forced fumbles. He’s incredibly athletic and has the ability to make splash plays all over the field.

The thing is that Devin White was benched in 2023.

Why?


Well, it seems like he’s shown inconsistency in recent years. Tampa Bay fans will tell you that he freelances a bit, is over-aggressive, and doesn’t have the best motivation. He grades out poorly at Pro Football Focus, isn’t fantastic against the run, and doesn’t always tackle well.

My counterpoint is this:

You know who else didn’t tackle well or play well? The Eagles’ 2023 linebacking corps, save for Zach Cunningham, who at times was totally serviceable, though not spectacular. That’s why the Devin White negatives leave me with zero concern, because anything is an upgrade to what the Birds put on the field last season. Nicholas Morrow? Shaq Leonard? Five games of a still-unproven Nakobe Dean? Christian Elliss? That group made T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White look like the second coming of the Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs duo.

Knowing how the Eagles have treated the LB position over the years, hell yeah I’m bullish on this type of signing. It’s the quintessential “this guy could use a change of scenery.” Does playing in Vic Fangio’s  system unlock him? Can they drill more consistency into him? Does he get a dose of the Heat Eagles culture and something clicks for him? It’s equal parts “prove it” deal and low risk, high reward signing. I’m climbing on board the train as we speak. CHOO CHOO.