Lavonte David has signed a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It is a 5 year extension reportedly worth $50.25 million however could reach $54.95 if certain escalators are met.
David is a Tampa Bay's 2012 second round pick and current star weak side linebacker. The linebacker is only 25 and is the heart of the Tampa Bay defense. The Nebraska alum has racked up 430 tackles, 10 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 6 interceptions in his time with Tampa Bay.
He has also missed only two games since he was drafted and led the Buccaneers in tackling last season. David in the final year of his rookie deal is just set to make under $740,000 this season so this is a major pay raise. This officially makes David the highest paid 4-3 linebacker in football putting him in exclusive company. Tampa Bay was clearly looking to keep one of their defensive building blocks in place; David was scheduled to hit free agency after the 2015 season.
The Buccaneers also signed linebacker Bruce Carter in the offseason so David's extension makes the Buccaneers linebacking core much stronger than it was in 2014. The Buccaneers have locked up some of their best and youngest playmakers over the past two years ensuring that a return to prominence may only be a one or two drafts away.
