Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lavonte David was recently named to the NFL All-Decade Team. The soon to be 30 year old will suit up for his 121st start for the Buccaneers Sunday against the Falcons. After Sunday’s game David will be heading into the offseason with one year remaining on his contract.
The Table Is Set For Licht
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has a full plate when the Buccaneers head into this offseason. Major decisions will have to be made by Licht. Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Ndamukong Suh and of course Jameis Winston’s contracts are all up. Licht does have an ample amount of cap space to work with, but re-signing all of those players listed will eat up that abundance of cap room quickly.
All-Decade David
The Buccaneers have had few bright spots on their defense over the last decade, David is arguably THEE only consistent defender during that time. When GM Jason Licht was hired he made it a priority to lock-up David, which he did with a five-year, $50.5 million dollar contract. That contract expires after the 2020 season. To fully understand what David has meant to this defense you need to look no further than the reports that the team is putting a priority on extending David’s contract. Yes, with all the other players who’s contracts are up, David is still considered a priority.
David Wants To Stay
Having a player of David’s ability playing on a team that has struggled the entire time he’s been here is something nobody wishes for. Having that same player wanting to stay here is something everybody wishes for. David had this to say about a possible contract extension.
More Work To Be Done
David will most likely reach the 1,000 career tackles Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Something only three other Buccaneers have accomplished. Derrick Brooks leads the way with 2,198, followed by Ronde Barber with 1,428 and Hardy Nickerson with 1,028. That my friends is elite company to be in.
Todd Bowles Is Sold
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles knows a thing or two about linebackers. He had this to say about David.
That’s a glowing review by arguably one of the great defensive minds in the league. Bowles went on to talk about David’s leadership.
Brooks, Alstott, Barber… David
It isn’t very often that players can claim playing for one team their entire career. David not only wants to spend his entire career as a Buccaneer, but understands by doing so he would be right there next to some Buccaneers greats. Being mentioned in the same breathe as Mike Alstott, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber is on of itself an accomplishment. Understanding what that really means is part of what makes David the player he is.
David understands that this Buccaneers defense is becoming a force in the league.
And while David is turning 30 years old in January, he has no plans of slowing diwn.
Do The Right Thing
The Buccaneers and Jason Licht have alot of decisions to make this offseason, kicking up David so he finishes his career as a Buc SHOULD be one of the top priorities. It’s really a no-brainer.
Photo credit: buccaneers.com
Source: pewterreport.com