After taking some time to ponder his NFL future, Lavonte David has signed a one-year extension to keep him in Tampa Bay for his 14th NFL season.
Retirement Was a Real Possibility for Lavonte David
Prior to signing a one-year, $10 million extension with $9 million guaranteed for 2025, David seriously considered retirement before ultimately deciding to return for one more season in Tampa Bay.
The #Bucs are bringing back one of their franchise icons, as they’ve agree to terms with star LB Lavonte David, sources say.
Back for more at age 35. He gets a 1-year, $10M deal with $9M guaranteed, a contract done by @Agentbutler1 of @Agency1AMG. pic.twitter.com/oQWXrZyScs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2025
“I love the game too much to give it up just yet,” David shared on his 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!”
Per senior NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Buccaneers and David’s representation met at the NFL Scouting Combine, where the two parties had productive conversations and the team granted David sufficient time to make a decision regarding his future with the team which eventually led to the new agreement.
Retaining Lavonte David was Crucial for Tampa Bay
At 35 years old, David is in the twilight of his NFL career, but his play on the field would suggest otherwise. David led the Buccaneers in tackles in 2024, and was the only player in the NFL to register 100+ tackles, five or more sacks, and 3 or more forced fumbles.
Lavonte David at age 34 led the Bucs with 122 tackles, and was one of only two players in the NFL with 100+ tackles and 5+ sacks (with the Falcons' Kaden Elliss). Only one other player in the last decade has pulled off 100/5 at 34 or older — Saints' Demario Davis last year.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 6, 2025
To put David’s dominance in perspective, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ senior writer Scott Smith writes, “He currently ranks second among all active players in tackles, first in solo tackles (1,160), second in tackles for loss, first in fumble recoveries and third in forced fumbles.”
“Among active linebackers he is tied for first in interceptions and second in passes defensed. Since the NFL actively began tracking tackles in 1994, David is one of just four players to amass 1,500-plus tackles, 35.0-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions, joining Bobby Wagner, Ray Lewis and London Fletcher.”
The organization took a huge collective sigh of relief upon learning of David’s intent to return—the 11-time team captain was one of the most reliable players on a struggling defensive unit last season, and replacing their leader would’ve been a tall task for a front office that already has plenty of defensive holes to fill.
“Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers in history, but the embodiment of consistency, excellence and leadership,’’ said Bucs general manager Jason Licht in a statement released by the organization. “For over a decade, he has been the heart of our defense, setting the standard with his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. His impact on and off the field is immeasurable, and we are thrilled to have him back for another season.”
Buccaneers Must Draft and Develop an ILB in 2025
As it stands, the Bucs have no proven players at the inside locker spot outside of David, and they need to start preparing for an eventual future without their longtime leader.
The team drafted Devin White with the No. 5 overall selection in 2019 with the intent to develop him as the heir to David’s throne, but after a promising start to his career, White fizzled out and the team moved on last offseason.
K.J. Britt, who had some success in Tampa Bay late in the 2023 season, was one of the worst linebackers in football 2024 and as an impending free agent, will almost certainly not be re-signed.
Sorvocea Dennis was the team’s fifth round draft choice in 2023. Dennis is an in-house favorite, and has flashed a lot of potential, but injuries have prevented the promising young player from really taking off. After playing just four games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, Dennis hopes to take on a bigger role playing next to David next season.
The 2025 NFL Draft has a lot of talented inside linebacker prospects, and the Bucs have shown interest, interviewing the following six players in Indianapolis:
- Alabama ILB Jihaad Campbell
- Oregon ILB Jeffrey Bassa
- Florida ILB Shemar James
- Oklahoma State ILB Nickolas Martin
- Georgia ILB Smael Mondon
- Penn State ILB Kobe King
It is a near-certainty that the Bucs will invest in a draft pick to improve their depth inside linebacker, in order to be mentored by David and perhaps earn the right to become his eventual successor when he decides to retire.
Whoever that young player is, will have the dream opportunity to play alongside and learn from a Hall of Fame caliber player in David while being coached by Todd Bowles, one of the best defensive minds in football.
The Buccaneers franchise has a storied history of strong inside linebacker play, dating back to Hall of Fame nominee Hardy Nickerson, Hall of Famer and Bucs Ring of Honor member Derrick Brooks, and now, Lavonte David. Now, as David enters the final act of his career, the organization will attempt to find and develop the next great linebacker in Tampa Bay.