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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed linebacker Lavonte David to a one-year deal. This all but assures David will retire as a Pewter Pirate legend.
After contemplating retirement, David has decided to extend his illustrious career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran linebacker has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, ensuring his return for a 14th season in Tampa Bay.
David’s decision is a welcome surprise for Buccaneers fans, who have cherished his contributions to the team over the past 13 seasons.
The excitement of Lavonte David’s return to the Buccaneers isn’t limited to the fanbase. David himself is thrilled to be back, and he took to social media to share his enthusiasm with the fans.
In a heartfelt message on social media, David expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the Buccaneers faithful, who have supported him throughout his illustrious career.
“I love the game to much to give it up just yet!” David posted on Instagram. “Good lord blessing me with another opportunity so I figured I should take advantage of it! Tampa I’m not done yet! See you soon!”
Although Lavonte David’s speed and coverage skills may be waning, he continues to demonstrate his enduring value to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense. In 2024, David compiled an impressive stat line of, 76 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles
His exceptional football IQ and relentless ball pursuit remain assets, underscoring that David still has plenty to offer on the field.
As Lavonte David extends his career, the Buccaneers must consider grooming his eventual replacement. David’s additional year with the team presents an opportunity for knowledge transfer and mentorship. This strategic approach ensures a smoother transition and helps maintain the team’s defensive prowess.
More must-reads:
- Shedeur Sanders gets new chance after Browns QB injury
- Two-time Pro Bowler's record-breaking extension should make Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh happy
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
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Bruins' David Pastrnak Calls Out Canadiens' Juraj Slafkovsky: He Just Lacks Humility'
Juraj Slafkovsky is one of the most promising players in the NHL, but now he has been called out by David Pastrnak, who stated he lacks humility. After being picked No. 1 overall in 2022 NHL Draft, expectations were high in Montreal for young star Juraj Slafkovsky, and thus far, he's shown glimpses of being the elite level player many expected when he entered the National Hockey League. However, there are still some major steps to go, and in a recent interview, Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak pointed out perhaps one area where the 21-year old may need to improve moving forward. When asked about Slafkovsky and his potential, Pastrnak gave nothing but a glowing review of the young Canadiens star, but he did note that he believes Slafkovsky needs more humility. 'He's still a young player who is gaining experience in the NHL every year. This season it was already clear that he gave the team more than before...He just needs a little more humility, he should set an example for the young ones.' On the ice, there's no doubting that Slafkovsky has the presence, the size and the talent to be a true star, posting 101 total points over the past two seasons, but for whatever reason, it appears as though Pastrnak believes he needs to improve off the ice before he can take a major leap in Montreal. Ultimately, the talent is still there for Slafkovsky, and at 21-years old, he'll continue to learn off the ice, and if he can go anywhere close to living up to the potential that he's shown in his first three years at the NHL level, there's no doubt that he can be a big time star and help lead the Canadiens to significant post-season success.
Ex-Lakers Big Man Ready to Cut NBA Ties With New Contract
It was the Lakers who, eight years ago, gave center Thomas Bryant his first crack at the NBA, putting him into the lineup after acquiring him in a draft trade with the Jazz. Bryant's Lakers career did not last that long--he was gone after one season--but he came back to L.A. in the summer of 2022 after a successful stint with the Wizards. That go-round with the Lakers did not go much better than the first, as Bryant averaged 12.3 points but was traded away in a massive deal at the 2023 deadline that saw the Lakers add Mo Bamba and Davon Reed. The Lakers had two cracks at Bryant but were not able to get his best from him. Bryant has since moved on to Denver, Miami and most recently, Indiana, where he has not been a big-time scorer, but has filled a role nicely in each of his stops. But, unable to drum up a new NBA contract, it looks like Bryant's next role will come overseas. That's according to a report from Telesport, which noted that the Greek team Panathinaikos is in direct contact about getting Bryant signed. From Sportando, which points out that Jonas Valanciunas agreed to, then backed out of a contract with the team: "The American center, born in 1997, played last season with the Indiana Pacers. He has appeared in 333 NBA games throughout his career. It would be a high-level addition for Panathinaikos, who, after the breakdown of negotiations with Valanciunas, are looking for a center to further raise the quality of their frontcourt."
Two-time Pro Bowler's record-breaking extension should make Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh happy
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves offensive linemen. The coach said, "We look at offensive linemen as weapons," after facing criticism for taking right tackle Joe Alt instead of wide receiver Malik Nabers (now with the New York Giants) during the 2024 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, the Chargers are keeping Harbaugh's arsenal stocked. Los Angeles and left tackle Rashawn Slater agreed to a four-year, $114M contract extension Sunday, via ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal includes $92M guaranteed, making him the highest-paid O-lineman in NFL history. Slater, 26, had been working to the side at training camp instead of practicing with the team since July 18. Harbaugh has used a smashmouth offense throughout his career. During the 2024 season, the Chargers tied for the league's 11th-most rushing attempts (463). L.A. will probably continue to lean heavily on its ground attack this season. It signed running back Najee Harris in free agency and grabbed North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (pick No. 22) in the 2025 draft. Harris is on the non-football injury list because of an eye injury suffered during a fireworks accident on July 4. Keeping O-linemen who suit the run-heavy scheme is critical. Per Pro Football Focus, Slater posted an 82.8 run-blocking grade in 15 regular-season games last season, the fifth-best mark at his position. The two-time Pro Bowler is also excellent at protecting quarterback Justin Herbert. The Northwestern product has allowed just 11 sacks since the Chargers selected him with pick No. 13 in the 2021 draft (via PFF). The only concern about Slater is his injury history. He missed 14 regular-season games during the 2022 season because of a left biceps tear and battled ankle and pectoral injuries over the past two seasons. If Slater stays healthy, the Chargers should have one of the best O-lines in the NFL. PFF's Zoltan Buday ranked the unit No. 10 in the league in a story published July 7. That should make Harbaugh smile.
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