Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David will be one of the most coveted players in free agency, which is why these teams would be lucky to sign him.
If anyone is a pillar of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s Lavonte David.
David has long been underrated and overlooked in a small market, and he’s consistently one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He’s had 100+ tackles and 10+ TFL in nine of his 11 NFL seasons. Last year, David finished the season with 124 tackles, 10 TFL, three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
That’s why his projected value is around $9.7 million according to Spotrac, but it’s likely that David will be paid more than that. Teams who want him will have to pay up, and while he’s said he wants to retire a Buccaneer, the team may not be able to make that possible given their current state of affairs.
Here are the five best fits for Lavonte David as he explores his NFL future in free agency.
Lavonte David rumors: 5 landing spots in 2023 free agency
5. Dallas Cowboys
According to recent reports, the Dallas Cowboys are making “no progress” toward finalizing a deal with middle linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
It’s discouraging news for fans of Vander Esch, but it’s an encouraging development for David if he is interested in signing with the Cowboys.
The 33-year-old David could coach up the Cowboys defense and direct young stars like Micah Parsons, not to mention the flexibility David’s interior coverage would offer to Parsons as an edge rusher.