Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans got the news on Tuesday that they have long been dreading. 14-year linebacker Lavonte David officially retired, leaving a hole in the defense that will be tough to fill. While there isn't a one-to-one replacement for David, the vacancy doesn't have to stay empty for long.
The most natural pathway to replacing David is through the NFL Draft. The Bucs have pick 15 overall, but the Ravens (14) and the Cowboys (12) both need linebacker help. This year's draft class isn't deep at the position in terms of bona fide starters, but there is another option.
Jordyn Brooks led the NFL in tackles last season. He has led Miami in tackles since joining them in 2024. He is the perfect replacement for David, and it isn't even close.
After 14 NFL seasons, Buccaneers LB Lavonte David announced his retirement. pic.twitter.com/r5zPcCwLCV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2026
Buccaneers should make Dolphins' Jordyn Brooks a top pre-draft priority
Brooks would be a seamless transition to the Buccaneers. He has the leadership qualities that Tampa is losing with David, and the on-field production to easily replace David's stats. In 2025, Brooks posted 183 combined tackles, including 99 solo. He matched the 3.5 sacks David had.
The question isn't whether or not Brooks can replace David; it's a matter of cost and compensation. Brooks is in the final year of his contract, so Tampa would need to work out an extension. That shouldn't be too hard. The hard part is getting the Dolphins to move off their "We are not trading Brooks" platform.
There has been a lot of speculation on what it might take to get a deal done for Brooks. The Cowboys seem to be the most interested team currently. Most of the conversations have been held internally, so it's a speculative-at-best situation.
The media believes that Brooks could be had for a third-round pick. That would be a steal for the Buccaneers, but not likely one that new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan would accept. Some believe the Dolphins would want to swap first-round picks with the Cowboys. That would put Miami back-to-back with the Cowboys. If Tampa did that, it would move them from 15 to 30.
It might not be ideal, but it lands them a very good linebacker and keeps their first-round pick without losing any others. Brooks is a smart, proven linebacker. If Tampa can take advantage of the roster purge going on in South Florida with the Dolphins, they absolutely should.