Buffalo Bills: Losing Tre’Davious White would be a big blow for the defense
By Matt Graves
Buffalo Bills’ All-Pro cornerback Tre’ Davious White is unsure if he’ll play in 2020. White has until 4 pm Thursday to decide on his status for this season.
Tre’Davious White has until 4 pm Thursday to decide on his status for the 2020 season. He is the Buffalo Bills’ primary cornerback and arguably one of the best at his position.
White hasn’t made up his mind yet. However, he did share his thoughts on Twitter about the backlash if he chooses to opt-out:
We can appreciate and understand someone like White being faced with this dilemma. White and his girlfriend are parents of young children; he wants to protect his family by limiting the risks of being infected by COVID-19.
White has been at the Bills’ facility, getting tested and seeing how things are going to work this season. Buffalo is doing everything they can to keep players and staff members safe.
However, he’s already seen no system is going to prevent the virus. Five Bills players tested positive in the first 10 days of testing.
White is entering his fourth year, and the Bills have picked up his fifth-year option for the 2021 season.
If White opts out, it will be a blow to the Bills’ defense. They have already lost Star Lotulelei and E.J. Gaines as team opt-outs.
He would also be the biggest name in the NFL not to play at this point. The 25-year-old cornerback is coming off an All-Pro season, and he’s due for a massive payday.
The depth behind White at cornerback isn’t filled with stars, but the defense can get away with one other option. Buffalo signed Josh Norman to a one-year $6 million contract in the offseason.
Norman is a good insurance option, if White is with the team or not. Aside from his struggles in Washington, he comes in with four seasons spent with Sean McDermott in Carolina.
Norman knows the defense and could be a good fit for the team’s scheme on the field. Even if he’s not who he was before, a familiarity with the coach and defense will give him something to work with to prove himself.
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The Bills have a defensive-minded coach in McDermott. He’s built one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
Having McDermott can help with the loss of White. That, and Buffalo’s top-tier safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
The Bills have a top-five cornerback who was a big part of the Bills’ defensive success in 2019. White helped the team finish second in points conceded and third in yards allowed.
The former LSU star was voted to his first Pro Bowl. He also tied for the league lead in interceptions, with six.
White is one of two players Buffalo cannot afford to lose. He knows he’s in a good position of being financially secure.
The NFLPA negotiated opt-out options for the players. Those who have a medical reason can get a $350,000 stipend, while those who don’t have a medical issue can still opt out for a $150,000 payday.
In the end, healthy and safety are a priority these days. Fans should respect White’s decision no matter what.
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Will you agree or disagree with White’s decision, if he opts out of the 2020 season? If he doesn’t. play, how do you see his absence impacting the Buffalo Bills? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.