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Bucs praised for signing $9 million linebacker in free agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back one of their veteran linebackers in free agency.
Jeremy Brener|
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping the Lavonte David era alive by signing him to a one-year deal worth $9 million.

Sports Illustrated analyst Matt Verdarame graded the signing and gave the Bucs a "B+" for the move.

READ MORE: Buccaneers restructure star offensive player’s contract, create $19 million in cap space

Lavonte Davi
Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) catches the ball over Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

David's back in the building

"Tampa Bay still has work to do before the new league year begins on Wednesday, but general manager Jason Licht took a step Friday by bringing back longtime linebacker Lavonte David," Verdarame writes.

"David, 35, is entering his 13th NFL season, all with the Buccaneers, and is still one of the more productive linebackers in the sport. Last year, David played in all 17 games for the NFC South champs and recorded 5.5 sacks with 122 tackles and an interception.

"With David back on the fold, Tampa Bay can turn its attention to Chris Godwin, who is slated to hit free agency in less than a week. If the Buccaneers can bring him back, it’ll be a fantastic spot to work from for Licht as the tampering period begins on Monday."

While David is still capable of being a strong on-field presence, his value off the field is what makes this deal worth it. David will be able to usher in the younger players and continue the culture he has cultivated since joining the team in 2012.

READ MORE: New Bucs pass rusher Haason Reddick breaks silence on ‘bizarre’ year with Jets

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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