Mike Evans stresses the importance of Bucs re-signing Lavonte David

The Bucs’ star receiver wants to make sure his fellow longtime captain joins him in playing their entire careers in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already locked up one longtime captain and veteran leader in Mike Evans, re-signing the future Hall of Fame wide receiver to a new two-year contract extension Friday.

Now that he’s officially back in the fold, Evans is wasting little time campaigning for another Bucs lifer to stick around.

Bucs linebacker Lavonte David is set to hit free agency next week barring a new contract with the team, and Evans wants to ensure he returns, as well.

Appearing on Tampa’s WDAE sports radio station, Evans made it clear that bringing back David should be a top priority for the Bucs:

Despite being 33 years old last season, David proved he’s still one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL, putting up impressive numbers and once again being the most consistent and reliable player on Tampa Bay’s entire defense.

If David wants to continue his NFL career, he’d likely have no shortage of suitors in free agency.

The Bucs would be wise, as they did with Evans this week, to make sure David never wears another team’s uniform.

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