Benton Whitley

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		3	—	—	—
2025		1	—	—	—
2024		2	—	—	—
2023		4

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Benton Whitley deal earns an A CVI as a legitimate steal for Tampa Bay, locking down a serviceable starter at linebacker for just $1.1M annually. While Whitley isn't a Pro Bowl talent, he's proven himself as a reliable defensive contributor who can handle regular snaps and special teams duties — exactly the type of player who typically commands $2-3M in today's inflated market. The one-year structure keeps Tampa Bay's flexibility intact while giving Whitley a chance to prove he deserves a longer-term commitment, creating a win-win scenario with minimal downside risk. For a Buccaneers defense that needs depth and consistency at linebacker, securing a known commodity at this price point represents outstanding roster building. This is the kind of under-the-radar move that championship teams make routinely — finding capable starters willing to take prove-it deals and maximizing every salary cap dollar.

Performance Analysis

Benton Whitley earns a C- for the Buccaneers at linebacker, a solid overachiever who has earned his spot through effort and special teams play. Whitley is not the most athletic linebacker on the roster, but he makes up for it with preparation and hustle. His run defense has been respectable, and he has filled in without disaster when called upon in a starting role. Tampa Bay appreciates the reliability, even if Whitley does not have the ceiling of some of their younger options. He is a roster-worthy contributor who does the small things right and never takes a play off.

Fan Sentiment

A low-risk practice squad depth move with minimal immediate impact for Tampa Bay. Five headlines covered the signing, noting Whitley's 6-foot-4 frame as the main selling point. The key signal is his practice squad designation — he's a developmental pass rusher, not a roster contributor. Fans are mildly intrigued by his size but hold no real expectations for Week 11 impact. Whitley likely spends the season developing his pass-rush game with little chance of active roster elevation.