Lavonte David is one of those names that's going to be associated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until the end of time. That's what happens when a player spends his entire 14 year career with the same team. David once again finds himself a free agent, and all reports show that general manager Jason Licht has left the decision to stay up to him.
Bucs fans undoubtedly wish for David to remain, and over a decade of production has earned that level of trust and adoration. The argument to stay is strong, but there's several factors David must consider if he's to remain in Tampa Bay.
An Argument to Stay
David may be 36 years old, but his defensive production hasn't faltered. He led the Bucs in 2025 in overall tackles with 114, 53 of which were solo tackles. The veteran linebacker is still playing at a high level, and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. He is still the anchor of the defense, and his veteran leadership is undeniably priceless.
With the Buccaneers missing the playoffs by a razor-thin margin in 2025, the Bucs should start 2026 with at least a decent chance to retake the division. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson should re-shuffle the faltering offense and give Tampa Bay a good chance at retaking the NFC South. Defensive continuity could be essential to a team that is pushing for the playoffs, and David is still capable of playing his part.
An Argument to Go
David's age is always going to be a factor at this stage of his career. The NFL is a young man's game, and there's no denying that the later 30s is essentially ancient. Even now, with David ahead of the curve, the curve always wins. One season over the limit could redefine his legacy and change the way he's seen in history.
Despite the possibility for a playoff push, the route to the Super Bowl isn't exactly a clean one. It could prove to be another transitional year if the unit doesn't get itself off the ground. Walking away now would show no weakness, as a matter of fact, quite the opposite. Leaving the game after 14 successful seasons with a single franchise is a legacy almost any player would accept.
Ultimately, this isn't about whether David can keep playing, but whether the opportunity in front of him is worth one more year of commitment. As long as the Bucs remain competitive and David remains the steady force at the center of the defense, staying feels less like tempting fate and more like finishing the job on his own terms.