The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today re-signed linebacker Lavonte David.
David (6-1, 233) has amassed 1,343 tackles (947 solo), including 143 for loss over his 11 years with Tampa Bay, adding 62 quarterback hits, 59 passes defensed, 29.0 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, 18 fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in 166 career games. He has also started all seven career playoff games, totaling 53 tackles (two for loss), four passes defensed, two quarterback hits, one sack and one fumble recovery.
"Lavonte is one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of this franchise, so it is extremely gratifying that he will remain a Buccaneer," said General Manager Jason Licht. "It's rare for a player to perform at such a high level for so many years in one place. Lavonte has made a big impact on and off the field for our organization and is still critical to our success on defense."
In the 2022 campaign, David recorded a team-high-tying 124 tackles – his most since 2015 (147) – and added 10 tackles for loss, five passes defensed and three sacks. He was one of just four players in the NFL to hit each of those benchmarks during the 2022 season. According to Pro Football Focus, David was the third-highest graded linebacker in 2022 and his 88.0 coverage grade led all linebackers with 1,000-or-more snaps.
Since entering the league in 2012, David leads all players in solo tackles and fumble recoveries, while ranking second in total tackles, fourth in forced fumbles and fifth in tackles for loss. Among linebackers in that span, he ranks first in solo tackles, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He also ranks second at his position in tackles for loss, tied for third in interceptions and fourth in passes defensed. His 30 takeaways lead all front-seven players since 2012. Since David's arrival, Tampa Bay's defense has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (103.0) and the third-fewest yards per carry (4.00).
David, who has served as a captain from 2014-22, ranks third in franchise history in tackles and 10th in sacks. He has led the team in tackles eight times (2012-15, 2017-19, 2022) and tackles for loss six times (2012-16, 2022). During his time in Tampa Bay, David has earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, and was a key part of the club's Super Bowl LV Championship team. He was originally selected by the Buccaneers in the second round (No. 58 overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska. The Miami native wears No. 54 for Tampa Bay.
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