Jason Licht Reveals Update on Crucial Buccaneers Veteran Free Agent
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are focused on retaining some of their own key upcoming free agents rather than paying attention to outside players. That has already been exemplified by the brass reaching a deal with Mike Evans early this week and franchise tagging Antoine Winfield Jr. immediately after that.
Things are starting to come together for the 2024 Buccaneers, and with all of the focus now looking towards what happens with QB Baker Mayfield, there's now a bit of information from general manager Jason Licht on a key defensive piece.
On Friday, Licht met with the media following the official re-signing press conference for Mike Evans and gave a quick update regarding how negotiations are going with free-agent veteran linebacker Lavonte David.
"I know Lavonte wants to be a Buccaneer, we want Lavonte to be a Buccaneer, and that's usually a pretty good start."
It is needless to say that what Licht says about David and the Buccaneers is true. There is no player, outside of maybe Mike Evans, that is more beloved in Tampa Bay. After being drafted by the Bucs in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, David has produced at a high level over the course of his impeccable 12-year career — all in Tampa Bay with the Bucs. He has enjoyed the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with the organization and has the stats to back up his play.
Over the 12 years he has spent in the league, David has started in 181 games, compiled 1,480 tackles (160 TFL), 28 forced fumbles, 18 fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions and three touchdowns. He already is establishing himself as one of the best linebackers to ever play in the NFL and somehow only continues to impress fans on Sundays with his abilities.
The two sides look likely to get a deal done in order to help David finish out his career with the team he holds so dear to his heart.
Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 offseason.
