While the situation surrounding offensive coordinator was the most pressing thing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to deal with this offseason, it's not the only major question the team has. Josh Grizzard being named Liam Coen's successor wrapped a bow around one thing but another matter involves the future of Lavonte David and whether or not his career will continue.
It's really a two-pronged question, as David needs to make a decision on whether to return for a 13th season and whether or not that will happen in Tampa Bay. All signs point toward David returning to the Bucs if he ends up playing another year but his future remains up in the air.
Even if he does come back in 2025, the Buccaneers need to start thinking about what life after David looks like. It's not a fun thing to imagine, which is why so many fans are understandably putting it off, but there are already some potential options being tossed out.
Former Packers first-round pick listed as potential Lavonte David replacement for Buccaneers
Take it with a massive grain of salt, but a recent Bleacher Report listicle (I know, I know)connected Green Bay Packers starting linebacker Quay Walker to the Buccaneers under the guise of him being a potential Lavonte David replacement. While this isn't really anything official, it does make a bit of sense for the Bucs as far as something to keep stored away as an option moving forward.
It's also a move that might not happen right away. Walker is under contract for another season, but his fifth-year option is due in 2026, and the Packers need to make a decision about his future this offseason. If Green Bay ends up not picking up that option, he could be a name to circle as a trade candidate or someone the team should earmark for free agency next year.
That being said, it's not like the Packers are about to give up on Ray Lewis. Walker has a ton of speed and athleticism, so he makes a ton of 'wow' plays, but he’s been far too inconsistent since coming into the league. Namely, he's struggled against the run, which isn't exactly something the Bucs can account for, given the current situation at linebacker.
It really sounds like a Devin White-type situation where a once-promising prospect shows flashes of his potential but fails to fully live up to the hype.
Walker is an interesting gamble to consider but he might not be the best option. The Bucs are likely going to look at the NFL Draft this year for not only a more immediate replacement but a younger one who fits a longer timeline. Alabama star Jihaad Campbell has already been linked to Tampa Bay which indicates less about David's future and more that there's potentially brighter lights than this Walker down the road.
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