A retention-based Buccaneers offseason will continue with one of the best players in team history. Lavonte David is staying in Tampa on another one-year deal.
The standout linebacker will stick around on a contract including $9MM in base value, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. This will represent a raise on David’s one-year agreement from 2023, which produced a $4.5MM payout.
This marks David’s fifth contract with the Bucs. A long-term extension in 2015 gave way to two- and one-year deals in 2021 and ’23. Despite moving toward his mid-30s, the 12-year starter has maintained his place as one of the game’s top off-ball linebackers. After the Bucs franchise-tagged Antoine Winfield Jr. and re-signed Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield, they are circling back to David — their longest-tenured player and one of the longest-serving Bucs in franchise history.
One of this era’s best off-ball ‘backers, David’s Pro Bowl count is lacking (one) due to the NFL still grouping rush linebackers and non-rush ‘backers together. David, however, is a three-time All-Pro who is the team’s second-leading tackler. Only Derrick Brooks (1,713) has more than David (1,480) among Buccaneers.
David played 15 games last season, rating as Pro Football Focus’ No. 28 overall linebacker. David’s 134 tackles were his most since 2015. On a Bucs team that saw Winfield contribute six sacks, David added 4.5 to help the cause.
Following his role on the team’s Super Bowl LV-winning effort, the stalwart defender has been central in the Bucs’ run of NFC South titles. As Devin White gradually fell out of favor despite a strong start, David has remained at the forefront at linebacker. With White likely leaving — presumably for a “prove it” pact — the Bucs will rely on David once again; the Nebraska alum is going into his age-34 season.
David did not sound especially interested in testing the market, indicating his decision was Buccaneers or retirement. The Bucs will run it back for at least one more year, allowing David to continue his run as one of the best players in team history.
Love it! ☠️
A lifer