Why did the Houston Texans sign former Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White?
Is it because third-year starter Christian Harris will miss the remainder of the season?
Is it because Azeez Al-Shaair is set to go to the injured reserve?
Nope. Both would be valid reasons for the Texans to bring in the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers captain, but it’s not why he’s now suiting up for the AFC South favorites.
“We wanted to add him to give him an opportunity to see where he can come in and help us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said when asked why they signed White. “That’s what it was about.”
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on addition of Devin White as he gets a fresh start @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/ylUaW6eHpA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 23, 2024
The Texans need linebacker depth following Sunday’s loss against the Green Bay Packers. Herny To’oTo’o, who was out last week due to a concussion, still hasn’t been cleared by the team’s medical staff to play this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Al-Shaair, who suffered a knee injury in Week 6, did not practice on Wednesday and could miss his second consecutive game. Harris, who’s been on the injured reserve since the start of the season, is making progress but isn’t expected back for at least a few more weeks.
Enter White, a former first-round pick out of LSU and do-it-all defender for the Buccaneers during their Super Bowl run in 2020. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021.
Last season in 13 games, White finished with 83 tackles, six pass deflections and two interceptions. He signed a one-year deal this offseason with the Philadelphia Eagles but never played a down before being released earlier this month.
Just because he didn’t play doesn’t mean the Texans don’t envision White in the same light as the Eagles.
Did we forget how much of a problem Devin White was when we played Tampa Bay last year? The remarks that he is washed are overblown #Texans
He’s not being added as a starter. He’s a depth piece and one that is needed with 3 of our LBs still out. https://t.co/2KcslN3BxP pic.twitter.com/DJhDvvwkqA
— VT (@brownchubbybear) October 23, 2024
“He went top 10 in the Draft, I mean, he was an exceptional talent,” Ryans said. “So, what happened and why he’s here, no one knows.
“You just have to keep punching, keep attacking each day with the right mindset and opportunity for Devin is to come in here and compete. Again, nothing’s promised. We don’t know what the future holds.”
After Sunday’s game, the Texans have a quick turnaround on Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets. White might not play this week, but there’s a chance he’ll be caught up to speed in time to see meaningful reps against Aaron Rodgers and Co. at MetLife Stadium.
Ryans, however, isn’t ruling out White from playing on Sunday in Houston just yet.
“We’ll work with him and see where he is. Try to get him caught up to speed to see if he can help us,” Ryans said. “So, it’s an opportunity for Devin to compete. Come in, learn how we do things and see how he can fit in and how he can help us.”
