The Philadelphia Eagles took a big step toward rebounding from their horrific close to the 2023 season when they acquired star running back Saquon Barkley this week.
But defense was their big problem last year, especially down the stretch when they lost five of their last six regular-season games, and they have some definite needs on that side of the football.
On Thursday, they helped plug one of those needs when they agreed to sign linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, per the NFL’s official Twitter account.
Eagles signing LB Devin White to one-year, $7.5M deal. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/O0BKNfO8JQ
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2024
Linebacker is perhaps Philly’s biggest need after they got embarrassed in the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and White should greatly help there.
In five seasons with the Buccaneers, he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and posted over 100 total tackles three times.
His numbers were down a bit in 2023, as he missed three games, but he still managed to finish with 83 tackles (49 solo), nine quarterback hits, six passes defended, five tackles for loss, and two interceptions.
Earlier this week, the Eagles also brought in pass rusher Bryce Huff, which represented another sizable splash for them in free agency, but there is speculation that outside linebacker Haason Reddick could be on his way out.
He will enter the final year of his contract in 2024, and there is speculation they may trade him, especially after throwing so much money at Barkley and Huff.
But still, the Eagles should improve significantly on defense this fall, especially now that they have an accomplished defensive coordinator in Vic Fangio.
NEXT:
Saquon Barkley Reveals Why He Signed With Eagles
