Andrew Buller-Russ
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a clear step backward from 2024 to 2025, going from a team that won the NFC South with 10 wins to one that missed the playoffs altogether while winning just eight games. We’ve already seen the Buccaneers say goodbye to likely future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans, who signed with the 49ers. Now, the Bucs could be preparing to move forward without another franchise icon.
On Tuesday, the Buccaneers scheduled a Lavonte David press conference at the team facility. Yet, no official reason has been given for the press statement.
The 36-year-old is currently a free agent. Of course, there’s a chance it could be an announcement revealing David’s intentions to play a 15th NFL season.
However, it’s far more likely that David is calling it a career, and the Buccaneers want to give him his day of appreciation. After all, this is a linebacker who arrived as the 58th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
He never played for another team, staying loyal to Tampa Bay all along. He earned a Pro Bowl nod, was named as a first-team All-Pro, and, what no one will ever forget, he helped the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl.
Now, David may be eyeing the next chapter in his life. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers appear prepared to move on without David. They’ve already signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom, and more additions could come in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Buccaneers have seven selections.
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Lost Pro Bowl Player, Despite Offering More Money
