Lavonte David Weighs Future: Return for Year 15 or Ride Off Into the Sunset?
For over a decade, Lavonte David has been the heartbeat of the Buccaneers' defense - a model of consistency, leadership, and toughness. But as he turns the page on his 14th NFL season, the 36-year-old linebacker finds himself at a crossroads: one more ride in Tampa Bay, or time to hang up the cleats?
David recently opened up about that decision on the Caps Off podcast, offering a rare glimpse into his mindset as he weighs retirement more seriously than ever before.
“I feel good. I’m healthy.
I’m happy. I’m undecided,” David said.
“I still got a lot of football left in me. I know that for sure.
I still love the game. I know that for sure.
The other side is I want to spend more time with my daughter. She’s in school, so [I’ve been] taking her to school and it’s a good feeling.”
That tug-of-war between passion for the game and life beyond football is one that every aging star eventually faces. And for David, who’s been on a string of one-year deals with the Bucs, the decision is anything but clear-cut.
Battling Through Injury, Still Producing
David played through a nagging knee injury for most of the 2025 season - the kind of injury that doesn’t just go away with tape and adrenaline. He reportedly had up to 50 cc’s of fluid drained from the knee weekly just to suit up on Sundays. That alone speaks volumes about his commitment and toughness.
Despite the setback, David still managed to put up solid production: 114 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. Those numbers don’t scream decline - but they do come with context.
According to Pro Football Focus, David’s performance in 2025 dipped across the board. He posted a 52.6 overall grade - the lowest of his career - with a 66.2 run defense grade, 48.6 pass rush grade, and a 45.1 coverage grade. Compare that to his 2024 marks (67.9 overall, 77.6 run defense, 65.4 pass rush, 56.9 coverage), and the drop is evident.
So how much of that was age, and how much was the knee? That’s the million-dollar question - or maybe, the $7 million one.
The Price of Loyalty
David signed a one-year, $9 million deal with Tampa Bay last offseason. But given his age and recent performance, it’s unlikely the Bucs would offer the same number again. With roughly $50 million in cap space and several holes to plug - especially on defense - Tampa Bay has to be strategic.
According to reports, David’s 2026 valuation is closer to a one-year, $7 million deal. And with younger veterans like Detroit’s Alex Anzalone (31) and the Jets’ Quincy Williams (29) potentially available in the $5-6 million range, the Bucs could look to get younger and more athletic at linebacker - especially after two years of coverage issues at the position.
David currently ranks as the 181st overall free agent on PFF’s Top 250 list and the 18th-best inside linebacker available. That’s not a knock - it’s just the reality of a crowded market and a league that doesn’t always reward loyalty the way it should.
“Ultimately, It’s My Decision”
David made it clear on Up & Adams with Kay Adams that the ball is in his court - at least initially.
“Ultimately, it’s my decision,” he said. “They always leave it in my hands.
The past three years [have been] one-year deals. It’s always up to me and what I want to do.”
For now, he’s enjoying life off the field - taking his daughter to school, running errands, and embracing the slower pace. But the fire still burns.
“Football, I’m always going to have a love of football. Football is always going to be there.”
And that’s the dilemma. David is tied with Bucs legend Derrick Brooks for the franchise’s all-time tackle record at 1,714.
He’s earned over $103 million in his career. He’s a future Ring of Honor inductee, and maybe more.
But does he have one more season left in him? Physically, he believes so. Mentally, he’s still figuring that out.
The Bucs, for their part, seem open to a return - but likely at a reduced price. Whether David accepts that or chooses to walk away on his own terms remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure: if this is the end, Lavonte David didn’t just play linebacker in Tampa Bay - he defined it.