Report: Browns interested in Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would like to keep all of their free agents for another Super Bowl run next season, but that likely won't happen. 

Teams can begin to talk to free agents on March 15, and it appears the Cleveland Browns have their eyes on one of the Bucs' defensive stars. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are interested in Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David as an upgrade on defense. 

David has spent his entire nine-year career with the Buccaneers. If he hits the open market, the Browns likely won't be the only team to pursue the 31-year-old. 

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians and general manager Jason Licht have expressed interest in retaining David, but it's unclear what they can offer him with several key free agents needing new contracts. 

David finished the 2020 campaign with 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, 12 tackles for a loss and three quarterback hits. 

It's not surprising that the Browns are targeting David. B.J. Goodson and Malcolm Smith, who played the most snaps at linebacker for Cleveland last season, are set to become free agents next month.