_tampa bay_— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured a major piece of their legacy for another season. Linebacker Lavonte David, one of the team’s most celebrated players, has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the franchise. This marks the third consecutive offseason that David has decided to continue his career on a one-year deal, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the team he has known for his entire professional life.
This new agreement means that David will be playing his 14th season with the Buccaneers in 2025. If he plays that season, he will tie the legendary Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played in Buccaneers history, just behind Rondé Barber, who holds the record with 16 campaigns. Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht praised David, stating, “Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers in history, but is the embodiment of consistency, excellence, and leadership.” The team believes strongly in David’s impact both on and off the field.
After experiencing a playoff drought for nine seasons, David has helped propel the Buccaneers to five consecutive playoff appearances, a franchise record. His performance in 2024 was impressive, as he registered 5.5 sacks and led the defense with 122 tackles, marking the 11th time in his 13 seasons that he surpassed the 100-tackle mark. David’s defensive skills were also highlighted with three forced fumbles, an interception, and pivotal plays during the playoffs.
David ranks among the best linebackers in NFL history, with career stats that include over 1,600 tackles and a significant number of fumble recoveries, showcasing his extraordinary talent in the game. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in the Buccaneers’ defensive strategies and has been recognized year after year by his teammates as a captain.
The Buccaneers continue to make moves as the team prepares for the upcoming season, recently signing a number of players to future contracts and enhancing their roster depth. With David back in the fold, the Buccaneers look forward to another year of championship aspirations and keen competition.
