Why the Texans signed linebacker Devin White

The primary reason why the Texans felt a need to sign veteran linebacker Devin White to a one-year contract isn’t complicated: multiple injuries at the position.

Middle linebacker and team captain Azeez Al-Shaair is sidelined with a knee injury, and fellow starter Henry To’oTo’o is in the first stage of clearing the NFL concussion protocol after missing one game against the Green Bay Packers and returning to practice Wednesday.

There’s more, though, to adding White. It’s about taking an extended look at a former fifth overall pick and Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection who combined size and speed with a 4.42 time in the 40-yard dash.

“It’s no secret that Devin has been an All-Pro, top linebacker in this league coming out of college,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He was a no-miss player. He went top 10 in the Draft, I mean, he was an exceptional talent. So, what happened and why he’s here, no one knows. Life happens to us all.

“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. It’s just one day at a time, compete every day and we’ll see where we end up. We wanted to add him to give him an opportunity to see where he can come in and help us. That’s what it was about.”

This represents a fresh start for White, signed by general manager Nick Caserio, after being released by the Philadelphia Eagles when he failed to win the starting job and was cut after not playing any regular season snaps after signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract in March. The Texans signed White without a workout after auditioning free agent linebackers Jabrill Cox and Michael Barrett.

“Excited to get Devin in here,” Ryans said. “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. 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.”

White, 26, (6-foot, 237 pounds), has recorded 566 career tackles, 23 sacks, six forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He requested a trade last year in Tampa Bay, but wound up playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie deal as no common ground could be reached on a contract. This year, he was inactive for the first four games and didn’t play against Tampa Bay for undisclosed personal reasons.

In 2020, White had 140 tackles and nine sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He intercepted Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for a touchdown in a Super Bowl LV victory. Last year, he had 83 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks and dealt with foot and groin injuries before losing his starting job to K.J. Britt toward the end of the season.

A year ago, White competed against the Texans in a Buccaneers loss. He was coming after Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud full-speed, but the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year avoided the sack

“I didn’t get to talk to him about it yet, I am even sure if he has seen it,” Stroud said. “I just talked to him, he seems like a real good dude, I played against him last year. He is a heck of a football player, he’s really fast. I feel like I got up a little bit, but I got out of bounds too, I am not trying to get hit by him. I think he is a great player, great addition so shoutout to Nick for doing his thing once again. I am in love with that choice Nick made and I think he will be a great addition to this defense.”

Al-Shaair is expected to miss at least one more game.

Meanwhile, the Texans got back To’oTo’o as he’s on track to return this week and cornerback Kamari Lassiter returned from a hairline scapula fracture.

“It feels good to get Henry and Kamari back out.,” Ryans said. “Two guys who started for us, played a lot of ball for us. Made a lot of impact plays for us. So, it’s encouraging any time you can get those guys back out on the field. So, good to get him back and we’ll see day by day, see how they continue to progress and see if they can help us this week.”

Against the Packers, Neville Hewitt had a team-high nine tackles and returned an interception 45 yards. Jake Hansen started and had seven tackles.

“Jake and Neville did a good job for us,” Ryans said. “They fit right in. They handled business. You talk about to start the game, Neville getting an interception for us, making an impact play, that was huge for us. And Jake fit in, made a huge play on a reverse. Those guys stepped in. They didn’t blink and they made the plays they needed to make.”

Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.