Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) recorded 117 total tackles and an interception in 16 games last season. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |
License Photo
March 9 (UPI) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Lavonte David on a two-year contract, keeping the Pro Bowler from entering free agency this off-season.
League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that David's two-year agreement is worth $25 million, with $20 million guaranteed. According to the outlets, the deal includes three voidable years to reduce David's cap hit to $3.5 million in 2021 and spread his future salary-cap number more evenly.
David confirmed the signing with a post on Instagram, writing: "Grinding in them trenches with my dogs! No better feeling!"
The move came just hours after the Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin.
The Bucs selected David in the second round of the 2012 draft out of Nebraska. Since entering the NFL, he has developed into one of the top inside linebackers in the league. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.
David, who missed only seven total snaps last season, recorded 117 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception in 16 games.
The 31-year-old linebacker added 26 more tackles and one sack in the playoffs. The Buccaneers went on to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.
In nine NFL seasons with the Buccaneers, David has notched 1,124 tackles, 24 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries, 12 interceptions and 52 passes defensed. He has served as a team captain for Tampa Bay over the past seven seasons.
