Devin White’s trade request wasn’t because he didn’t want to be a Buccaneer.

The Tampa Bay linebacker said he “got a little selfish” this offseason because he wants to be a long-term player on the team that selected him fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

“I don’t think it’s just about being paid. It’s just about being a guy who was drafted here and doing a lot for this program. I just want to be the long-term guy,” White said Monday, according to PewterReport. 

“And we just didn’t make it happen when I wanted it to. And that’s where I kind of get a little selfish. Even knowing I still had the fifth-year option and that was the thing in play.”

The Buccaneers said they had no intention of moving White after his April trade request and picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract for the 2023 season. 

The option on White’s contract calls for an $11.7 million salary this season.

The Louisiana State University product said conversations about his future in Tampa Bay with general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles helped him get back in the right mindset. 

“After just sitting down with coach Bowles and Jason Licht and just understanding their plans for me … See how I can do better,” White said, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

“Moving forward, we all came to an agreement and that’s why I’m here now, just focusing on the season now.”

Through four seasons and 62 regular season games as a Buccaneer, White has posted 483 tackles, 20.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries (including two for touchdowns) and one interception.

“First day I came back I led the huddle. It’s all love [with teammates],” White said, according to Tampa Bay reporter Evan Closky. “I want to be a captain again.” 

The Buccaneers have the ability to franchise tag White next offseason, which would keep him with the squad through the 2024 season.

Tampa Bay opens the season Sept. 10 on the road against the Vikings.