Lavonte David: A Veteran Linebacker with More to Prove
Lavonte David, the legendary inside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been a stalwart on the field, starting all 17 games for the second consecutive season. Yet, despite his consistent presence, his tackle count has dipped to its lowest since 2022, and his reputation has taken a hit during a challenging season for the Buccaneers' defense. Ranked 149th out of 150 impending free agents by The Athletic, David is no longer viewed as one of the NFL's elite linebackers.
At 36, David faces the inevitable march of time. However, dismissing him as washed up seems premature, given the circumstances surrounding the Buccaneers' 2025 season.
The defense struggled mightily, leaving David without much support. Despite racking up 114 tackles, he was the veteran leader in a front seven that lacked a pass rush and other quality linebackers, with only Vita Vea and YaYa Diaby as standout players.
David Deserves More Recognition
David's exclusion from offseason free agency discussions might just fuel his determination to prove he still belongs among the league's best, much like Mike Evans, who bounced back after missing the 1,000-yard mark due to injuries. Unlike Evans, David wasn't held back by injuries but rather by coaching challenges under Todd Bowles and a lackluster supporting cast.
David's future remains uncertain as he contemplates another season. If he chooses to return, the Buccaneers seem like the ideal team for him to showcase his abilities. Despite losing a step from his prime, with the right additions-perhaps players like Cassius Marsh or Devin Lloyd through the draft and free agency-David could continue to excel.
The NFL has seen many seasoned players, including linebackers like Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders, maintain high performance levels. David could follow suit if given the right environment. His story in the NFL isn't over, and while he may not be seen as a star right now, there's plenty of room for him to rewrite the narrative.