The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced that the club has agreed to terms on a new contract with linebacker Lavonte David.
"Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers in history, but is the embodiment 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 returns for his 14th season in Tampa Bay, tying Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played in franchise history and trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Rondé Barber (16 seasons). David is the franchise record holder in forced fumbles (31) and fumble recoveries (19), in addition to ranking second in tackles (1,600), third in games played (198) and games started (198), and tied-for-sixth in sacks (39.0). Additionally, David holds the franchise playoff records for total tackles (79) and solo tackles (57).
Since complete data became available in 1991, David is one of only five players in the NFL to amass 1,600+ tackles, 30.0+ sacks and 10+ interceptions. Additionally, he is among eight players over that span to record 40.0+ sacks and 30+ takeaways (including playoffs), joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Ray Lewis, Julius Peppers, Junior Seau, Jason Taylor and Brian Urlacher, in addition to Karlos Dansby and London Fletcher. David's 2024 season marked his 11th career season with 100-or-more total tackles, the third-most in the NFL since 2000 behind only Fletcher (14) and Bobby Wagner (13). Since he entered the league in 2012, no active player has more tackles for loss (169).
David leads all active NFL players in career solo tackles (1,109) and opponent fumble recoveries (19), and ranks second in total tackles, third in forced fumbles and third in tackles for loss. Among active linebackers, he ranks second in passes defensed (70) and tied-for-first in interceptions (13).
The Miami native was the only player in the NFL with 100+ tackles, 5.0+ sacks and three-or-more forced fumbles in 2024, finishing with a team-high 122 tackles (nine for loss), six quarterback hits, six passes defensed, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception. David's 2024 campaign marked the 10th time across his 13 career seasons that he has led Tampa Bay in tackles (2012-15, 2017-19, 2022-24).
David has been named a team captain for Tampa Bay in 11 consecutive seasons and remains the longest-tenured player on the Buccaneers roster. He was originally selected in the second round (No. 58 overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay out of the University of Nebraska.
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