Regardless that he simply turned 34 years outdated, Bucs inside linebacker Lavonte David has proven no indicators of slowing down. All through this previous season, he was nearly as good as ever, and he stays a cornerstone piece on protection. Much more so, he is likely one of the most vital leaders on the staff and is a fan favourite within the metropolis of Tampa.
On Thursday, David was a visitor on the Ronnie and TKras present on 95.3 WDAE and mentioned this previous season, his potential return, if he desires to retire as a Buccaneer, and what he would do if he was common supervisor Jason Licht.
Lavonte David On 2023: “It Positively Was A Enjoyable 12 months For Me”
Inside linebackers of their 30s shouldn’t be in a position to do the issues that Lavonte David did this previous season. It’s a robust, demanding place to play, however don’t inform that to David.
He continued to get the higher of Father Time and really performed timeless soccer in 2023 as he recorded 134 complete tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and a pressured fumble. Statistically talking, final season was on par together with his finest seasons as a professional, and he demonstrated that he can nonetheless go on the market and do his factor.
Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Picture by: USA Right this moment
“Simply making an attempt to remain constant and simply maintain engaged on my craft,” David stated reflecting on the season. “Understanding the sport extra, determining offenses and simply having enjoyable on the finish of the day. Enjoying with a whole lot of ardour, enjoying with a whole lot of power, and giving my all for the entire guys on the market that I play with. It’s only a enjoyable group of fellows who I get pleasure from enjoying subsequent to.
“That’s in all probability the principle factor and simply caring for my physique, making an attempt to remain wholesome. Sadly, I did miss two video games this yr, nevertheless it was not something critical. I used to be in a position to get again and choose up the place I left off. It positively was a enjoyable yr for me – enjoying at that sort of degree at 33 years outdated – lots of people don’t count on that however my complete mindset is so long as I’m feeling good I’m going to go on the market and do my factor.”
There is no such thing as a query that David nonetheless possesses nice worth as a participant and a pacesetter, however he’ll enter free company in a couple of weeks when the brand new league yr begins. That begs the query – has he spoken with the Bucs a couple of return, and does he wish to stay a lifelong Buccaneer?
Lavonte David Loves The Metropolis Of Tampa, Needs To Retire With The Bucs
In the midst of his interview on the Ronnie and TKras Present, Lavonte David was requested if he has talked with the staff about returning for one more yr. Very like what occurs on the gridiron, David is aware of how this sport goes and thinks issues will ramp up quickly.
“We haven’t actually spoken about that however everyone – we all know the way it goes proper now,” David stated about his return. “I’m 12 years in, I understand how the sport goes, they know. I simply go from there. Each time they’re prepared, they’ll attain out. Proper now I’m simply making an attempt to maintain myself prepared, attempt to keep prepared, and simply get my physique again feeling good as a result of whenever you’re off for a very long time then it’s more durable to get again in form or no matter it could be. To reply your query, no we haven’t talked however I’m positive [conversations] will come up quickly.”
Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
At this level, it will likely be a year-by-year case on whether or not David continues to don the purple and pewter. By the way in which he made it sound, it feels like it’s Tampa Bay or nothing for the longtime franchise icon. He has established deep roots within the metropolis, and that’s one thing he’s grateful for and needs to proceed rising and nurturing.
“Yeah, you would say that,” David stated about being a lifelong Buccaneer. “It’s at a degree proper now in my profession – twelve years enjoying with one group – a spot the place I’ve grown to be a person. The place I began as a younger man and I grew as much as a person within the metropolis of Tampa. Simply the love that the town of Tampa has for me and the love that I’ve for the town of Tampa. All of the stuff that I poured into the town I really like doing.
“I really like doing my group stuff in Tampa, and simply the group for having religion in me and for having me stick round for this lengthy of a time. The connection that I gained all through the town of Tampa. In fact, I’d wish to do this, I’d wish to keep a Buc for the remainder of my profession so long as I play. On the finish of the day, I do wish to retire a Buc, nevertheless it simply must be a mutual factor.”
What Would GM Lavonte David Do?
Bucs ILB Lavonte David and WR Mike Evans – Picture by: USA Right this moment
It’s secure to say that Bucs common supervisor Jason Licht has his work minimize out for him this offseason. Not solely does he should work on coming to phrases with Lavonte David, however he additionally has different large free brokers to try to retain.
That features quarterback Baker Mayfield, large receiver Mike Evans, and security Antoine Winfield Jr. Oh, and likewise doubtlessly giving left deal with Tristan Wirfs a market-resetting contract extension earlier than he performs on his fifth-year choice.
If David had on his common supervisor cap he admitted that it could be a tough selection, however he was trustworthy about who he would convey again first.
“Oh man that’s robust, I’m emotionally hooked up to all of these dudes,” David stated with amusing. “All people that I really like. Mike, Devin [White], Bake. Regardless that Bake was first yr, Bake was an important dude and he is a superb man. Tweez, Antoine Winfield, I’d even throw Tristan Wirfs in there. Get him his deal, get his deal out of the way in which.
“However if you wish to be trustworthy, I bought to go Mike Evans. My boy Mike! I really like Mike, man, we have now an superior relationship simply the way in which I’ve seen Mike develop from his rookie yr to now as a soccer participant and as a person, after which understanding how he carries himself. I’d like to reward him with what he deserves after which clearly, the consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving. That’s a no brainer.”
Very like it’s with Mike Evans, if Lavonte David desires to return, it must be a no brainer for the Bucs to convey him again for one more season. David continued to indicate why he is likely one of the finest inside linebackers within the sport, and it stays evident simply how a lot he means lots to the group on and off the sector.
