Bucs LB Devin White says trade request 'a little selfish' - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — Speaking for the first time publicly since requesting a trade this offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White said Monday, «I got a little selfish,» but he has returned with a positive attitude and is focusing on the 2023 season.

«I don't think there's no regret,» White said when asked about the request. «I don't think it's just about being paid. It's just about being a guy who was drafted here, and doing a lot for this program. Just want to be the long-term guy, you know, just want to be a guy like Lavonte [David]. He was — he been here forever. I wanted to be that next guy, and you know — we just didn't make it happen when I wanted to.

»And that's why I kind of got a little selfish, even knowing I still had the fifth-year option and that was a thing in place. And I mean, I guess early on, you don't realize that. You just know, like, 'Hey, I'm at the end of my contract — let's get it in. Lock me in. I know I feel comfortable here.'"

The Bucs' fifth overall draft pick in 2019 did show up for mandatory minicamp in June but did not participate in practice. Coach Todd Bowles said at the time that it was not a «hold in.» Still, White said it really bothered him not being on the field practicing with his teammates as a captain.

He said sitting down with Bowles, whom he called a «father figure,» and general manager Jason Licht helped smooth things over. They conveyed their support to him privately and publicly, told him what their plans were for him and identified areas they want to see him improve on. David, a close friend and mentor, also helped patch things up.

A key focus has been on becoming what he calls a «complete» linebacker and not just a blitzing linebacker, which is where he