Lavonte David is set to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another season. The veteran linebacker has agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract, with $9 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Shortly after, the Buccaneers officially announced they had reached terms with David, securing the return of one of their most respected players.
A franchise legend, David has spent his entire 13-year career in Tampa Bay, playing 198 games and becoming a cornerstone of the team’s defense.
His impressive career statistics include 1,602 tackles, 39 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defenders in Buccaneers’ history. Throughout various roster changes, he has remained a steady leader and is likely destined for the club’s ring of honor in the future.
Lavonte David (NFL)Lavonte David’s Legacy: A Hall of Fame Case Despite 2024 Performance Decline
David’s career tackle total ranks second in the NFL since 2012, trailing only Bobby Wagner, a likely Hall of Famer. Given his sustained excellence, David himself could one day receive a spot in Canton among the league’s elite linebackers. His consistency and ability to make crucial defensive plays have been a defining part of his career, helping the Buccaneers remain competitive over the years.
Despite some decline in his performance during the 2024 season, including his lowest Pro Football Focus defensive and coverage grades since 2016, David’s return to Tampa Bay makes sense.
He has been remarkably durable, playing at least 14 games in all but two of his seasons, and remains a key presence in the locker room. As he enters his 14th NFL campaign, he hopes to lead the Buccaneers beyond the Wild Card round and continue making an impact on the field.
