The Bucs are welcoming back future Ring of Honor inductee Lavonte David for his 13th season according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

David and the team agreed to another one-year deal, this time the contract is worth $9 million that can get up to $10 million per the report.

Lavonte David Still Playing At A High Level

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: USA Today

As former Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston said recently, Lavonte David seems to age like fine wine. In 2023 at the age of 33 he recorded 134 tackles, 17 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and five passes defensed. He added 19 pressures and 14 quarterback hurries as head coach Todd Bowles used David as a pass rusher 80 times.

Despite his years Lavonte was still moving around the field will agility and speed, lining up on young superstar tight ends and chasing down premier running backs in the backfield.

More than his play on the field, David continued to be a mentor to young Buc players and a team leader on the field and in the clubhouse.

Bucs Now Have A Clear Plan At LB In 2024

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: USA Today

With Lavonte David back in the fold the Bucs now have a potential starting duo with him and fourth-year linebacker K.J. Britt. Britt emerged late last year, supplanting Devin White as the team’s starting mike backer. His play was very good in limited action and provided a good compliment to the veteran David.

While more athletically limited than White, Britt provided a physical downhill presence that defended the run well and played surprisingly well in coverage.

With these two in the fold as the odds-on favorites to start in the middle of Bowles’ defense it now allows the team to focus on other needs in rounding out their roster to defend their division title for th third consecutive year.

Over his career Lavonte David has registered 1,480 tackles, 160 for a loss, 33.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, 64 passes defensed, 28 forced fumbles, 18 fumbles recovered and three touchdowns.