Legendary Bucs linebacker Lavonte David just wrapped up the 13th season of his career, and as he weighs the decision of returning for a 14th season at age 35, there are two truths about his age-34 season in 2024.

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: USA Today

On one hand, there were signs that — for the first time — David was slowing down. He wasn’t the same ace in coverage that he has long been. Pro Football Focus gave him a career-low 56.9 coverage grade, and while he may not have played the biggest part in the Bucs’ struggles to cover the middle of the field, he could no longer mask the defense’s deficiencies in that area.

Not to mention, David also recorded a career-low 47.6 tackling grade, per PFF.

But while all of that may have been true about Lavonte David’s 13th NFL season, here’s the other truth: David was still a difference-maker at age 34.

Going back to PFF, David still recorded a 67.9 overall grade, with a 77.6 mark in run defense and a 65.4 pass-rush grade. By those metrics, the seemingly ageless linebacker was still above average even at 34 years old.

And then there’s this:

Lavonte David was the only player in the NFL to reach 100+ tackles, 3+ forced fumbles and 5+ sacks. His 5.5 sacks were the second-most he’s had in a single season over his illustrious 13-year career, second only to the 7.0 sacks he posted in 2013.

PFF even credited David with seven sacks, with 30 total pressures. Those 30 pressures were fourth-most among inside linebackers, with David trailing only Kaden Elliss (43), Frankie Luvu (42), and Blake Cashman (31). Against the run and getting after the quarterback, No. 54 was still getting the job done in 2024.

So, for as much as there might be some concern about Lavonte David’s coverage ability in a potential age-35 season in 2025, this past season showed that the future Bucs Ring of Honor member and potential Pro Football Hall of Famer can still make a difference even in a race against Father Time.

Will Lavonte David Return For His 14th Season?

Bucs ILB Lavonte David and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – Photo by: USA Today

After the Bucs’ walk-off Wild Card loss to the Commanders back in January, a dejected Lavonte David stood at his locker and told reporters that he hadn’t yet given any thought to what his future might hold. He also added that there was no timeline for a decision on a potential 14th season, as he planned to go home and regroup, getting his mind off football for a little bit.

David also made it clear that when the time comes, he wants to go out on his own terms.

“Oh for sure, it’s always important to go out on my own terms,” he said. “When I started playing on this level, I always said I wanted to go out on my own terms. I don’t want [anybody] to force me out. I want to put my best foot forward every time and make sure that when I do leave the game it will be stamped that I was an incredible player. That’s just how I feel.”

That was six weeks ago, and with the NFL Scouting Combine coming up this week and the league’s free agency period following soon after, we may know David’s decision soon enough.

The longtime Bucs captain turned 35 years old on Jan. 23, and outside of an interview he did on ESPN during Super Bowl week, there’s been little to go off when speculating what the future holds. David did post a photo on his Instagram story on Saturday, Feb. 22 that included himself, Christian Izien, Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather and Zyon McCollum on the field this past season. The caption was a lone lion emoji, so again, there’s little to go off there.

As the Bucs continue the scouting process with this year’s linebacker class and begin to make their plans for free agency, it wouldn’t be a surprise if news emerged in the coming days or weeks about David’s plans. Of course, Tampa Bay needs to be active on the linebacker market in free agency and the draft anyway, as SirVocea Dennis, Deion Jones and Antonio Grier Jr. are the only inside linebackers currently under contract in Tampa Bay.

It should be clear, though, that even as the Bucs begin making moves at the inside linebacker position for 2025, Lavonte David can still make a difference. Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo projects a 1-year, $5.75 million deal for David, which is hardly a financial stretch.

So, if David wants to return for a 14th NFL season, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be with Tampa Bay.