Bucs linebacker Lavonte David is already one of the best players in franchise history. His name and number will be in the Bucs Ring of Honor inside Raymond James Stadium one day. It’s a matter of when, not if.

But when will that day come? How long does David have left in his NFL career? The 2012 second-round pick is in year 11 of his career — all with Tampa Bay — and he’s in a contract year as he enters his age-32 season.

In a recent appearance on Bussin’ With the Boys, David was asked by former Nebraska teammate Will Compton how much longer he plans to play. Unsurprisingly, David didn’t answer with a concrete timeline.

“Honestly, I’m actually going year-to-year right now. This is my last year in my contract right now,” David said. “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling great. I’m healthy, I’m happy. But right now, year to year.”

David last signed a contract extension with the Bucs in March of 2021. That was a two-year deal, so he’s currently set to be a free agent after this upcoming season. The Bucs’ longtime captain had a strong preseason and looks more like his younger self heading into the 2022 season. He looks primed for a better year than he had in 2021, when he dealt with some injury issues.

What More Does David Have Left To Prove With Bucs?

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Compton also asked David what he has left to prove in the NFL. It’s an interesting question for a guy like David, who has been one of the most underrated players in the league throughout the entirety of his career.

He should feel slighted that he only has one Pro Bowl selection (2015) and has made only one All-Pro team (2013). He does, of course, have a Super Bowl ring to his name after Tampa Bay hoisted the Lombardi Trophy two seasons ago.

David wants to continue cementing his legacy, plain and simple. For however long he continues to play, he’s working toward building a Hall of Fame-type resume.

“As far as much more I’ve got to accomplish, I still feel like I’ve got some more stuff to accomplish. I’m just trying to solidify myself as one of the best linebackers that’s played the game,” David said. “I obviously want to make the Hall of Fame, so I’m trying to pad those numbers a little bit.

“A goal of mine was obviously to reach the 40-20 club, with the 40 sacks, 20 interceptions thing. But I don’t know how much longer I’ve got to play to do that. It’s just how far my body takes me and how my mental is. I’m a family man now, so I’m gonna go from there.”

David has 26 sacks and 12 interceptions in his career, so he’s running out of time to reach that 40-20 mark. And while his play on the field has warranted more recognition over the years, his lack of Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections will hurt his Hall of Fame case. Nonetheless, he has more to work toward, including another Super Bowl ring. From the sound of it, that’s his focus right now under the “year-to-year” plan. Once the 2022 season ends, we’ll see what’s in store for the Bucs’ legendary linebacker. It’s hard to imagine him playing elsewhere, that’s for sure.

You can watch the entire Bussin’ With the Boys interview with David and Vita Vea here. The interview begins around the 56-minute mark and covers a variety of topics, including David and Compton’s time at Nebraska, Vea’s football journey, Vea’s return from injury during the Bucs’ Super Bowl season and the confidence the defense had when they were given the game plan for Super Bowl LV.