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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among the teams that have a few notable players set to hit free agency, but they prevented one of their key contributors from hitting the open market. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Lavonte David and the Bucs have agreed to a two-year, $25 million extension.
The #Bucs are keeping one of their own: Tampa Bay has agreed to terms with star LB Lavonte David on a 2-year contract extension worth $25M, sources say. On the brink of free agency, David stays home.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2021
David was slated to test free agency if the Buccaneers were unable to get an extension in place in the near future. After the team used their franchise tag on Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay was able to come to terms with David, keeping their defensive leader for at least two more years.
Upon the news of David's new extension, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that it is a five-year deal that has three voidable years to save the Buccaneers money.
It’ll be a five-year deal with three voidable years for LB Lavonte David that keeps his cap number at a manageable $3.5 million for the #Buccaneers this year. Voidable years are all the rage this year as teams maneuver around the cap decrease.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2021
Ever since Lavonte David came into the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, he's been an underrated linebacker in the league for the Buccaneers. The veteran has eclipsed 100 or more tackles in eight of his nine seasons, as he's somehow only earned one Pro Bowl bid and one All-Pro nod.
Following another stellar year when he notched 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception, David had his first taste of the playoffs in 2020. The veteran linebacker would proceed to win a Super Bowl as Tampa Bay dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with Tom Brady under center.
Of course, every team that wins a Super Bowl wants to do everything in their power to retain their roster. Even amid an offseason where the salary cap is lower, the Buccaneers were able to keep their heart and soul on defense in David.
