Tampa Bay Buccaneers Star Linebacker Lavonte David Announces He Will Return For 14th Season
By Space Coast Daily // March 8, 2025
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Lavonte David has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, and he’s not done yet.
On Friday, the veteran linebacker agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Buccaneers, the only NFL team he has played for.
This marks the third consecutive offseason in which David has opted for a one-year deal to continue his career. By suiting up for the 2025 season, he will match Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played in franchise history, trailing only Hall of Fame cornerback Rondé Barber, who played 16 seasons.
“Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers ever but also a model of consistency, excellence, and leadership,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “For over a decade, he has been the heart of our defense, setting the standard with his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. His impact on and off the field is immeasurable, and we are thrilled to have him back for another season.”
David’s decision to continue playing was likely influenced by Tampa Bay’s sustained playoff success and his own high level of performance in 2024. After waiting nine seasons for his first postseason appearance in 2020, he has since enjoyed five consecutive playoff campaigns—a franchise record—including four NFC South titles and a Super Bowl LV victory.
Individually, David delivered one of his best seasons in recent years. In 2024, he recorded 5.5 sacks, his highest total since 2016, and forced three fumbles, his most since 2020. He led Tampa Bay’s defense with 122 tackles, marking the 11th time in 13 seasons he surpassed the 100-tackle threshold. His stat line also included one interception, six passes defensed, and nine tackles for loss. In the postseason, he added eight tackles and a sack in Tampa Bay’s playoff loss to Washington. Impressively, David and Atlanta’s Kaden Ellis were the only two players in the NFL in 2024 to register at least five sacks and 100-plus tackles.
A potential Hall of Famer, David has left an indelible mark on Buccaneers history. He has started all 198 games he has played, ranking third in franchise history in both categories behind only Barber (241 games played, 232 starts) and Brooks (224 games played, 221 starts).
His career numbers are equally impressive: 1,600 tackles, 39.0 sacks, 171 tackles for loss, 31 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 13 interceptions, and 70 passes defensed. He is second all-time in franchise history for tackles, first in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, and tied for sixth in sacks. Among Buccaneers linebackers, only Brooks has more career interceptions.
Beyond Tampa Bay, David is widely recognized as one of the premier linebackers of his era. Among active NFL players, he ranks second in total tackles, first in solo tackles (1,160), second in tackles for loss, first in fumble recoveries, and third in forced fumbles. Among active linebackers, he is tied for first in interceptions and second in passes defensed. Since the NFL began officially tracking tackles in 1994, David is one of only four players to compile at least 1,500 tackles, 35.0 sacks, and 10 interceptions—joining Bobby Wagner, Ray Lewis, and London Fletcher in this elite group.
With another season ahead, David looks to further add to his legacy, continuing to be the cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense as they chase more success in 2025.
