The top storyline of the Buccaneers’ offseason to date has of course been the second retirement of Tom Brady and the team’s resultant need for a new starting quarterback. A mainstay on the defensive side of the ball also faces an uncertain future, however, and figures to be a top priority.
Linebacker Lavonte David is a pending free agent, but he has no intention of testing the open market to head elsewhere this offseason. The 33-year-old has spent his entire 11-year career in Tampa Bay, serving as a defensive captain and consistent producer along the way. His preference would be to finish his NFL tenure where it started.
While making an appearance on WDAE radio during Super Bowl week, David said that contract talks have yet to commence between he and the Buccaneers’ front office. He expects that to change soon, however, with a new deal keeping him in the middle of the team’s defense likely to be one of Tampa’s top offseason goals. The former second-rounder remained a full-time starter in 2022, registering more than 100 tackles for the ninth time in his career while adding three sacks and a forced fumble.
“Obviously, I would love to be back in Tampa,” David said, via Bailey Adams of Pewter Report. “I played 11 years there. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But I’m not naïve to the business side of football. So, I’m definitely grateful for whatever happens after.”
David played on one of the largest cap hits in the league amongst defenders last season ($14.79M). The Buccaneers would certainly like to lower that figure on a new contract, especially with Brady’s dead cap charge coming in full in 2023. However, his continued production and effective pairing alongside Devin White suggest David can remain a key member of the team’s defense for at least the short term.
A new contract would allow David to continue climbing the ranks in the franchise’s record books in a number of categories. He ranks third all-time in tackles (1,346) and fifth in games played (166), numbers which would each grow considerably if he gets his wish and is able to continue his career in Tampa.
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