Report: David returning for 13th season with Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to keep yet another key free agent, agreeing to terms with longtime linebacker Lavonte David on a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The deal reportedly includes a base salary of around $9 million.
The Bucs drafted David in the second round in 2012, and the 34-year-old has spent his entire career with Tampa Bay. He's played in 181 career games, recording 1,480 tackles and 33.5 sacks. The team captain, who's earned three All-Pro berths, also helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV.
David amassed 134 tackles (17 for loss), five pass breakups, and 4.5 sacks in 2023, his best mark since 2016.
The Buccaneers entered this offseason with big decisions to make regarding several key starters. In addition to David, Todd Bowles' outfit re-signed quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans. Tampa Bay also kept safety Antoine Winfield Jr. by placing the franchise tag on him.