The Detroit Lions have made another significant addition to their defense, agreeing to terms with former All-Pro linebacker Devin White on a one-year contract, according to Jordan Schultz. The move gives Detroit a proven veteran with championship experience as the franchise continues to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
White joins the Lions after an impressive campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he started all 17 regular-season games and reestablished himself as one of the league’s most productive linebackers. He finished the year with 174 total tackles—third-most in the NFL—while adding 11 tackles for loss and one interception, proving he remains a force in the middle of the defense.
Originally selected fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2019 NFL Draft, White quickly emerged as one of football’s premier linebackers. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020 and played a crucial role in helping Tampa Bay capture Super Bowl LV, cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s elite defensive playmakers.
Detroit’s decision to bring in White reflects the organization’s continued commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. His combination of speed, physicality, and versatility gives the Lions another experienced leader capable of making an immediate impact against both the run and the pass.
The signing also provides valuable depth and leadership to a linebacker unit that will benefit from White’s experience in high-pressure games. His ability to diagnose plays, attack the line of scrimmage, and create turnovers should fit well within defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s aggressive defensive philosophy.
For White, the move to Detroit represents a fresh opportunity to contribute to one of the NFC’s top contenders. Surrounded by a talented roster and a coaching staff known for maximizing defensive talent, the veteran linebacker will be expected to play a key role as the Lions pursue a deep postseason run.
If White performs at the level he displayed last season with the Raiders, the Lions may have pulled off one of the most impactful defensive signings of the offseason. His arrival adds another proven playmaker to Detroit’s defense and further strengthens the team’s pursuit of its first Super Bowl championship.
