Newly signed linebacker Devin White is coming into the fold for the Detroit Lions due to injuries, but that doesn't make the defender any less important to their preparation for the season during training camp.
The veteran, who is coming off a team-leading and career-high 174 tackles for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025, was signed after rookie Jimmy Rolder suffered an injury setback in his first training camp. White is quite a bit removed from his All-Pro season back in 2020, and his last Pro Bowl appearance in 2021, but he's found other ways to be efficient as a defender despite a dip in turnover generation.
Ironically, though, it was a turnover that got some eyes on White on the final day of Lions training camp before the weekend. He picked off Jared Goff while getting reps in with both the first and second team defense, which is a great sign as Detroit seeks help for their secondary in 2026.
White stood out in final Lions practice of the week
White being a legitimate dude for the Lions' defense would help this defense out tremendously, especially if Derrick Barnes or Malcolm Rodriguez are unable to stay on the field consistently due to injuries. Even if they are, having a backup like White for either linebacker is so big for the Lions and their bench compared to the weaker backup unit they had in 2025.
White was also excited to join the Lions, which you always want injected onto your roster when dealing with injuries that could hamper your development throughout training camp. He told reporters shortly after signing with the squad:
"You want to put yourself in the best position to win. In this league winning is fun, and you gotta work hard to be able to win. I knew this was a hard-working, winning organization, so I felt like it was just the right fit."
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If there's going to be anyone hungry for winning, it's going to be the guy who just got off last year's Raiders team and is headed to Detroit, who might be contenders once again this season if they can fully realize their vision for their offensive line and defensive trenches.
Even if Rolder returns, he'll be competing with White and Rodriguez for snaps. And, as of now, White seems to have a major leg up on the competition thanks to his veteran experience and tackling prowess...and, seemingly, his remaining turnover capabilities.
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