Veteran linebacker Lavonte David has signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. David has spent the entirety of his career thus far with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The #Bucs are re-signing LB Lavonte David on a 1-year deal, he told @JosinaAnderson. Tampa ends up retaining Jamel Deal and David when most thought that would be unlikely.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 15, 2023
Lavonte David, Tampa Bat Buccaneers, Agree to Contract
Lavonte David had a fairly typical season by his standards in 2022. He was in on 124 tackles (80 solo) and had three sacks, one forced fumble, and one recovery. In the team’s Wildcard loss in the playoffs, he was in on 14 tackles with 9 solo.
David played college football with Nebraska from 2010 to 2011 and went All-American both years. He was also named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2011. In 2012 he was drafted in the second round by the Buccaneers. He was named a starter right away and made an impact as a rookie, being in on 112 tackles and recording two sacks and one interception. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team as a result.
His sophomore season in 2013 proved to be the best of his career, as he was in on 145 tackles and recorded seven sacks and five interceptions – both career-highs. He also had two forced fumbles and one recovery – plus a tackle for a safety. All of this got him a First-Team All-Pro nod. While he has not quite reached those heights since (though he came close a couple of times), he has remained a star linebacker for the team.
David had two more All-Pro berths – this time Second-Team – in 2016 and 2020. The latter season also saw him help the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl, being part of the defense that completed the rare task of stifling Patrick Mahomes. He finished with six tackles in that game.
Thus far in his career, David has a total of 1,346 tackles (949 solo), 29 sacks, 12 interceptions (with two pick-sixes), and 27 forced fumbles with 18 recoveries and one touchdown. His durability has also been a factor; aside from missing five games in 2021, he has never missed significant time.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
