Lavonte David Agrees to Terms, Will Return for a 14th Bucs Season
Lavonte David, one of the best NFL linebackers of his generation, is returning for a 14th season in Tampa, agreeing to a new one-year deal so he can help the Buccaneers seek a sixth straight playoff berth
Over 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lavonte David has fashioned one of the greatest careers in franchise history. But he isn’t done yet.
On Friday, David agreed to terms with the Buccaneers, the only NFL team he has known, on a one-year deal. It is the third straight offseason that the franchise icon has chosen to extend his career on a one-year pact. By playing in 2025, David will tie Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played in team annals. Only Hall of Fame cornerback Rondé Barber, with 16, accumulated more campaigns for the Buccaneers.
“Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers in history, but is the embodiment of consistency, excellence, and leadership.” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “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.”
Tampa Bay’s chances of extending its career-best streak of playoff seasons, plus his own high level of play in 2024, surely factored into David’s decision to continue playing. After waiting nine seasons for his first taste of the postseason in 2020, he has enjoyed five straight playoff seasons – a franchise record – including four NFC South titles and the Super Bowl LV championship.
Meanwhile, David’s 2024 output was his best in years, as his 5.5 sacks were his most since 2016 and his three forced fumbles were his most since 2020. He led Tampa Bay’s defense with 122 tackles, marking the 11th time in 13 seasons he has surpassed 100, and also recorded an interception, six passes defensed and nine tackles for loss. He added eight tackles and a sack in the Bucs’ playoff loss to Washington. David and the Atlanta Falcons’ Kaden Ellis were the only two players in the NFL in 2024 to record at least five sacks and at least 100 tackles.
David’s Hall of Fame-caliber career has placed him among the Buccaneers’ all-time greats. He has started all 198 games he has played, ranking third in franchise history in both categories to Barber (241, 232) and Brooks (224, 221).
David’s Hall of Fame-caliber career has placed him among the Buccaneers’ all-time greats. He has started all 198 games he has played, ranking third in franchise history in both categories to Barber (241, 232) and Brooks (224, 221).
David’s career stats also include 1,600 tackles, 39.0 sacks, 171 tackles for loss, 31 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 13 interceptions and 70 passes defensed. He ranks second in franchise history in tackles, first in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries and tied for sixth in sacks. The only linebacker in Bucs history with more interceptions is Brooks.
David has been one of the best linebackers of his generation. 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.
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