Linebacker Lavonte David will go down as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey. Just when it feels like his time is up and he has nothing left, he continues to perform at a high level.
No longer elite, but still very productive.
But was 2025 his final season, not just in Tampa Bay, but in the NFL?
David, 36, remains undecided about his future. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is giving David his due respect and allowing him all the time he needs to make his decision.
“You know how I feel and we feel,” Licht said about David while speaking to reporters Tuesday at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
“He's the staple of what we look for in a player and a person. He's also earned the right to take a step back and decide what his future his. And we're giving him that respect right now.”
#Bucs ILB Lavonte David remains undecided on his playing future. GM Jason Licht is giving David respect to come to a decision, but mentioned just how much he means as a “staple of what they look for in a player and a person.” pic.twitter.com/8OqjjrrU2j
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) February 24, 2026
Licht wasn’t the only one speaking highly of David and giving him his due respect this offseason. Head coach Todd Bowles also told reporters how much David means to the Buccaneers.
“Lavonte is very close with me, obviously, since I've gotten here,” Bowles told reporters in Indianapolis. “He's been our green dot -the guy to carry us, our leader and everything else. So, he's definitely earned that right to see if he wants to continue playing. If he does, hopefully he'll be here. But he's definitely earned that right. We want him back. He knows how we feel about him.”
David was the No. 58 overall pick in the 2012 draft and has played 14 seasons in Tampa Bay. In that time, he won Super Bowl LV, was named first-team All-Pro once, and second-team All-Pro twice.
In 215 games, he has amassed 1,716 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries, and 14 interceptions. He hasn’t missed a game since the 2023 season.
With or without David, inside linebacker should be addressed this offseason by the Buccaneers. SirVocea Dennis hasn’t inspired a lot of confidence entering a contract year and Nick Jackson, an undrafted free agent in 2025, is the only other inside linebacker under contract for 2026.
Just like the last few seasons, Tampa Bay isn’t rushing David into a decision. He’s earned that right, given his jersey may very well be retired at some point by the team. It’s just a matter of how long will the team have to wait to get his decision on season number 15.
ㅤ
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!