Lavonte David rumors: 5 best fits in free agency

2. Las Vegas Raiders

Much like the Giants, the Las Vegas Raiders are one of the rare NFL teams swimming with salary cap savings. Inside linebacker Denzel Perryman is expected to hit free agency, and if the Raiders move on from Perryman, it could be an effort to make space for David.

After a 6-11 finish in 2022, the Raiders have been determined to shake up their franchise, exemplified by their decision to move on from longtime quarterback Derek Carr. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels must prove his merit this season, and if the Raiders front office can offer a player like Lavonte David, it can give a struggling defense a much-needed jolt of energy.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even though a case can be made for several NFL teams, the best NFL fit for Lavonte David is the one he currently has with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Not only is this where David has grown and developed as a player, but it’s where David hopes to hang up his cleats eventually.

“Obviously, I would love to be back in Tampa,” David said via Pewter Report. “I played 11 years there. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But I’m not naïve to the business side of football. So, I’m definitely grateful for whatever happens after.”

What makes this difficult for all parties involved is that the Buccaneeers currently have negative cap space, and the retirement of Tom Brady hasn’t helped the current fire sale of dedicated Bucs players.

The Bucs are focused on rebuilding for the future knowing full well they can’t offer David much by way of playoff aspirations for the next few years. David may want to retire with the Bucs, but he deserves to be paid well and to play for a highly-competitive contender. It could happen elsewhere, but most likely, David will remain in Tampa Bay.