Buccaneers to Retain LB Lavonte David on One-Year Deal, per Report

The veteran linebacker will reportedly remain in Tampa Bay for the 2023 season.

Veteran linebacker Lavonte David has reportedly agreed to sign a one-year, $7 million guaranteed deal to return to the Buccaneers for the 2023 NFL season, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

David returns to Tampa Bay for his 12th NFL season after finishing the 2022 campaign with 124 total tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. The 33-year-old was linked to the Bills during this free agency period due to the departure of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who recently signed a deal with the Bears, but ultimately chose to return to the team he’s spent his entire career with.

David returns to a Buccaneers’ defense that allowed the ninth-fewest total yards per game (324.3), the ninth-fewest passing yards per game (203.6) and ranked 15th in rushing yards allowed per game (120.7) last season. In addition, Tampa Bay surrendered 21.1 points per game to its opponents in 2022, 13th-best among NFL teams.

The three-time All-Pro linebacker started and played in all 17 games for the Buccaneers during the ‘22 season.