When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded up in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft for an undersized linebacker out of Nebraska, they landed a franchise cornerstone who would become the latest in a longstanding team tradition of dominant players at the position.
More than a decade later, Lavonte David is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, which could bring an end to his incredible run in a Bucs uniform.
David knows the NFL is a business, but he’s already making it clear that he wants to finish his career in Tampa Bay.
“I’d love to retire as a Buccaneer,” David recently told WDAE (via Pewter Report). “Getting to play in the same building my whole career like guys like Ronde Barber and Derrick Brooks, that’d be amazing. Just to walk the same hallways they walked their whole career. Especially Derrick Brooks, you all know how I feel about Derrick. Every time he comes around, my eyes light up. So, he’s definitely a guy who I kind of want to model after, just be a guy who played with Tampa their whole career and was just a staple for what they do.”
David is destined for the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, regardless of whether or not he plays elsewhere in the twilight of his career. He’s still playing at a high level, and the Bucs would have a gaping hole in the middle of their defense if they’re not able to re-sign him.
It’ll take some creative salary cap work, and maybe a little bit of a hometown discount, but don’t be surprised if No. 54 is suiting up in the only NFL jersey he’s ever known again this fall.