BREAKING: Lavonte David Re-Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The undisputed leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is returning for at least one more season in pewter and red.

According to Tom Pelissero, reporting with Ian Rapoport, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-signed linebacker, Lavonte David.

Veteran LB Lavonte David is returning to the #Bucs on a one-year, $7 million guaranteed deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Back for a 12th season in Tampa at age 33. pic.twitter.com/1BsJuc6fZt

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023

Lavonte David is one of the greatest Tampa Bay Buccaneers of all-time. 

That statement was going to hold true no matter what happened this offseason. But thankfully for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their loyal fanbase, and Lavonte himself, it becomes even more clear now, with the two sides agreeing to a new contract to keep David in pewter and red for at least one more season.

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It is a team-friendly deal for a player, who despite being 33 years of age, still has plenty of gas left in the tank based on his performance last season. 

In fact, Lavonte David has been one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the NFL over the course of his 11-year career. A former second-round draft pick (2012) out of Nebraska, David's speed, instincts, and high football IQ have allowed him to adapt from what was once a run-first league into the aerial attack we see from most offenses today, without missing a beat.

He's excellent in coverage, a steady run-defender, a great leader, an iconic member of the Buccaneers franchise, and someone whose performance still has a significant impact on the team's chances of winning on a week-to-week basis. 

Kudos to Jason Licht, Mike Greenberg, and the rest of the Buccaneers' front office. There's no question they had their back against the wall heading into this free agency period. Strapped for cash, left without their star quarterback — while still having to pay for his services — many expected the Bucs' front office to roll over and press the reset button on the whole thing.

What they've managed to do instead, is move some money around to re-sign their most important players, while still positioning themselves well for 2024 and beyond. From both a salary cap, and player personnel perspective.

Having their captain, Lavonte David, back in the fold, alongside plenty of other talented players, ensures this Buccaneers' defense will remain a strong unit for the 2023 season, at the very least. 

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