Wide receiver Kevin White is getting another opportunity in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.
The #Saints are signing veteran WR Kevin White, source said. The former first-rounder worked out in a group today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2021
White was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
He spent three years with Chicago, appearing in 14 games and starting five.
He caught 25 passes for 285 yards and no touchdowns.
White dealt with numerous injuries during his time with Chicago, missing time with leg and shoulder injuries.
The former first-rounder signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, but never appeared in a regular season game.
He had a tryout with the New York Jets but never signed.
White signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 and was brought up to the active roster in September.
He bounced around from the active roster and practice squad throughout year, eventually appearing in three regular season games.
Although he didn’t record any statistics.
Now, the receiver has landed with the Saints and is looking for another chance to succeed in the NFL.
Receiver Kevin White aims to make most of his chance with the Saints ⚜️#SaintsCamp | @SeatGeek https://t.co/nIB2SmX2Ej
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 18, 2021
A Likely Final NFL Opportunity
Despite his struggles and injury issues, head coach Sean Payton still thinks White has some gas left in the tank.
“He’s young and someone we’d like to work with,” Coach Sean Payton said. “I like the way he runs. You see it (speed) on tape. Obviously, he’s a former first-round pick, so he’s still a younger player.”
Whether White makes the roster or not is still yet to be seen.
But at this stage of the offseason, the Saints might offer him the best chance to make the 53-man roster.
All-Pro receiver Michael Thomas is out to start the season as he battles back from ankle injury.
Tre’Quan Smith, who is expected to be the team’s number two receiver, has missed numerous practices with a leg injury.
With both of New Orleans’ top two receivers out with injury, White should have an opportunity to get some reps in with the first-team offense.
He will see competition from Marquez Callaway, who has been the star wide receiver of Saints training camp.
Marquez Callaway had 3 receptions for 61 yards on the @Saints first drive. He’s going to be a weapon this season on offense. pic.twitter.com/AhBsnDgqTQ
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) August 14, 2021
But with the injuries New Orleans are suffering, White will have an opportunity to get reps with the Saints that he would not have got from other teams.
White is also still just 29 years old.
He was one of the most highly touted wide receivers in the 2015 NFL Draft.
While White hasn’t lived up to his potential, injuries have played a big part in it.
With New Orleans, White needs to not only stay healthy, but prove he can still be a wide receiver in the NFL.
No one is expecting White to become an All-Pro, or let alone a Pro Bowler.
But after going in the top 10, it looks like White has one last opportunity to make a name for himself in the league.
White will never live up to the hype he had coming out of West Virginia.
But clearly the Saints think he has something left.
Now it’s up to him to prove New Orleans right.
If he continues to struggle, or suffers another injury, it would be a shock to see White get another opportunity in the NFL.
NEXT: Saints Offense Needs Michael Thomas To Succeed In 2021