Former Packers Pro Bowler explains why they should sign Devin White in free agency

Switching to a different defensive scheme brings new challenges. The Green Bay Packers will run a 4-3 defense under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, requiring good linebacker depth.

Teams are in nickel the majority of the time, but when the Packers play their base 4-3 defense, they will need three capable starters at linebackers. They currently have Quay Walker, De'Vondre Campbell, and Isaiah McDuffie on the roster, but Campbell is a potential cut candidate this offseason.

Linebacker is an area of need for the Packers in free agency and the draft.

"We're going to have to add. There's not a lot of personnel changes we're going to have to make with the scheme change, but we'll probably have to carry a couple more linebackers into training camp," said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Could Green Bay sign a former first-round pick?

Mike Daniels believes Packers should sign free-agent Devin White

Former Packers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Mike Daniels is excited about the shift to a 4-3 defense and how it could impact Kenny Clark. Daniels believes the Packers should sign free-agent linebacker Devin White to play in the new scheme.

"The Packers are moving to a 4-3. If they bring Devin White in to play next to Campbell, you might as well start fitting Kenny Clark for his gold jacket," writes Daniels.

Green Bay could move on from Campbell this offseason, but Daniels' point still stands. White could be part of the starting trio alongside Quay Walker.

Adding a top linebacker makes sense for the Packers—anything that makes Clark's life easier is a win for this defense. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the best interior defensive linemen in the game. Clark is coming off arguably the best season of his career, and it's no coincidence it happened after the Packers strengthened the defensive line.

But can White make the difference for the Packers?

There would be risk to signing him. White lost his starting job in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense in December, and it doesn't sound like the Bucs have any plans to bring him back.

However, White is a former fifth-overall pick, Pro Bowler, and second-team All-Pro.

The Packers have seen White at his best. He made one sack, 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two QB hits in a Bucs' 38-10 win over Green Bay in 2020. He added another 15 tackles and a fumble recovery in the NFC Championship Game rematch.

If Green Bay gets White at its best, it could be a home-run signing.

But there's risk. The Bucs benched White for a reason. He earned a disappointing 30.8 PFF run defense grade this season.

Maybe a change of scenery is what White needs to get back to his Pro Bowl best. And if he could do that in Green Bay, Daniels is spot on. It would help take Clark's game to another level.

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