Buccaneers Given Kudos for Retaining David and Godwin

Veterans from the Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning team remain key fixtures, helping shape the franchise’s culture and identity.

Despite having grounds to move on, the Buccaneers made the right decision and chose to re-sign two veteran players to new contracts, valuing their experience and contributions.

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan cited the Buccaneers’ decision to retain Chris Godwin and Lavonte David as key reasons for optimism heading into the season.

“The Buccaneers were able to keep two key core pieces intact this offseason,” Sullivan stated. “First, they secured long-time linebacker Lavonte David on a one-year deal as he enters his age-35 season. Then, they lured Chris Godwin back to Tampa with a three-year, $66 million extension. While these players are a bit long in the tooth, they’ve been instrumental pieces to their string of success over the last half-decade. Keeping them in-house should go a long way in Tampa Bay, continuing to push for deep playoff runs.”

Veterans Chris Godwin and Lavonte David will help onboard new rookies and instill the team’s culture, providing valuable leadership and guidance.

At some point Godwin will likely pass the torch to first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, while Lavonte David will mentor Day 3 picks David Walker and Elijah Roberts, potentially shaping the team’s future defensive core.