28 March 2024 , 01:00
826
0
The Los Angeles Rams have given their defence a big boost after Aaron Donald's unexpected retirement, by signing ex-Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White. ESPN reported on Tuesday that White has agreed to a one-year contract with the Rams, worth up to £7.5 million ($10 million).
The 29-year-old spent his first seven seasons with Buffalo and is still recovering from a torn right Achilles. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Rams' team doctor, performed White's surgery and has been helping him recover.
But while White has found a new team, he's only been given a one-year deal because of his recent injury troubles. This means he could be a free agent again in just 12 months.
White quickly proved himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. He was picked by the Bills in the 2017 NFL Draft and came second in Rookie of the Year votes after his first season.
In 2019, White led the NFL with six interceptions and was named an All-Pro and Pro Bowl starter. He made another Pro Bowl the following season, and played in 61 games for Buffalo over his first four seasons in the league.
New England Patriots warned Mac Jones is "limited" as quarterback fined again
White hasn't had much luck in recent years, mainly due to a series of serious injuries. His 2021 season was cut short after he tore his ACL during a Week 12 game against the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving. Then in 2023, he suffered an Achilles tear just four games into the season.
Because the Bills didn't have enough salary cap space, they had no choice but to let White go. He joins a big group of other star players that Buffalo had to let go, including All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer, wide receiver Deonte Harty, running back Nyheim Hines, centre Mitch Morse and cornerback Siran Neal.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott was really upset about White leaving, saying he's "one of the best human beings I know."
Tre'Davious White is recovering from a torn right Achilles (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)"You know eventually, it's going to come because of the lifespan of an NFL player. But it came way too early in my mind, right? " McDermott said, according to WKBW.
"And I'm sure in his mind as well. It's to me tragic in some ways because of the injuries. Had not the injuries occurred, who knows where his time in Buffalo would've taken him and us. I think he's one of the best defensive backs to ever play in Buffalo."
"I really believe that," McDermott said. "He's all class all the time. And he works his tail off. And he's one of the best human beings I know. From what he came from and how he's not only lifted himself up but lifted his family up and the way he's lifted our team up over the years it's just to me a very unfortunate situation with the injuries. Sorry, it's sad to see him go."
White is now set to join the Los Angeles Rams, where he'll be part of a team with Cobie Durant and the newly-signed Darious Williams. It's not clear yet what impact he will have after playing in just 21 games over the past three seasons.