The news continues to pour in for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Per Ian Rapoport, the Bucs and LB Lavonte David have agreed on a new deal that will keep the 10-year veteran in Tampa Bay through 2025.
The deal was initially reported as a two-year deal by Rapoport, but Mike Garafolo cleared up some details a bit later. According to Garafolo, David’s deal is five-year deal that becomes voidable after the second year. The key component of the entire agreement, however, is that David’s cap hit will be an extremely manageable $3.5 million in 2021.
That number will likely be the catalyst in helping the Buccaneers re-sign their top free agents.
The #Bucs are keeping one of their own: Tampa Bay has agreed to terms with star LB Lavonte David on a 2-year contract extension worth $25M, sources say. On the brink of free agency, David stays home.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2021
It’ll be a five-year deal with three voidable years for LB Lavonte David that keeps his cap number at a manageable $3.5 million for the #Buccaneers this year. Voidable years are all the rage this year as teams maneuver around the cap decrease.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2021
First came the decision to hit Chris Godwin with the franchise tag. Then came the news that the Bucs and Shaquil Barrett are working toward a long-term deal. Tampa Bay has also signed several exclusive-rights free agents throughout the day.
Now, it’s David’s turn to make headlines.
David is the longest-tenured Buc on the roster. Considered by many to be the heart and soul of the defense, he has amassed 1,125 total tackles, 128 TFLs, 24.0 sacks, 12 interceptions, 24 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, 55 quarterback hits, and one touchdown in 137 career starts.
