One of the most head-scratching decisions to this day was the Chargers not re-signing linebacker Kyzir White last offseason.
White was one of the most impactful players in the blue and gold last season, yet he never got a contract extension offer.
“I was mad because I wanted to come back,” White said, per Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I wanted to finish my career there, be there for 10-plus years.”
Los Angeles always had a talented player in White, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2018. However, he rarely got to show his talents throughout the most of his time with the Bolts.
Whether it was due to injuries that limited him in the early years or because his role was never deciphered in Gus Bradley’s defense, White was always lost in the shuffle.
Then in Brandon Staley’s system, which perfectly catered to his strengths as a player, White was nothing less than dominant every week.
With his combination of play speed, burst, and instincts to react quickly, White was an integral piece on defense against the run, in coverage, and as a blitzer.
White finished with 144 tackles, seven for loss, three passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack.
Linebacker is not a premium position in Staley’s defense, which could explain why White never was offered to come back. Instead, he settled on a one-year, $3 million deal with the Eagles.
White took his talents to Philadelphia, appearing in 17 games, finishing with 110 tackles, seven passes defended, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
White’s contributions helped the Eagles get to Super Bowl LVII, where they will take on the Chiefs this Sunday.
“I’m here on the biggest stage,” White said. “So I can’t really be that mad, right?”
