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Buccaneers, Lavonte David agree to extension

By Matt Verderame

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) gets the crowd pumped up during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) gets the crowd pumped up during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and linebacker Lavonte David have come to terms on a five-year deal worth $50.25 million with $25.56 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Tampa Bay has been locking up its defensive stars recently, with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy getting taken care of last year.

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David is one of the most underrated players in the game. The second-round pick in 2012 has been lost in the shuffle over the past three years with men like Patrick Willis and Luke Kuechly soaking up the spotlight. However, David has been one of the most consistent players in the league, racking up 139 tackles and an interception as a rookie. In 2013, David put together an all-time season with 145 tackles, seven sacks and five interceptions, earning first-team All-Pro honors. Last year, David amassed 146 tackles and one sack with four forced fumbles.

The former star at the University of Nebraska has been recognized for his greatness by his peers, even if the national attention has been slow in coming. David was placed at No. 35 on the Top 100 Players of 2014, before earning the 56th spot on the Top 100 Players of 2015, a show on NFL Network voted on exclusively by the players.

With Jameis Winston, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin, the Buccaneers are suddenly looking like a team that could challenge in the NFC South. While some believe this is a team a few years away from being a contender, consider that both the Indianapolis Colts (2011) and Kansas City Chiefs (2012) finished 2-14 before getting the first-overall pick. The following year, both made the postseason with new quarterbacks.

The defense is suspect in the secondary, but David and McCoy give head coach Lovie Smith a talented base to work from. Expect Tampa Bay to make moves in 2015.

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