The prospect of re-signing Labonte David and many other pending free agents has always been difficult this offseason. Nothing has been ruled out yet, but David may just be taking the first steps in a different direction.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, David will be testing free agency next week. That wouldn’t stop him from returning to Tampa, but Rapoport called the possibility “challenging.”
great after a long time #Bucs After one of his most productive seasons, LB Labonte David is expected to test the free agency market. , it will be difficult.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2023
The dilemma between Lavonte David and Bucs is not easily resolved
Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Aside from cornerback Jamel Dean, David is the most needed defensive player the Bucks hope to return to the roster next season. The problem is, the Bucks were $56 million above his cap in salary before Donovan Smith’s release earlier this week, so the only reality for David to come back is that he’ll sign a $25 deal on a two-year deal. If you sign a smaller contract than when you were. Million deal after 2020 season.
This is why David is testing the market. At the age of 33, he wants to measure his worth.
The best way for Tampa Bay to win him back is if the market for veteran linebackers isn’t as ideal as he thought when testing the waters.Bobby Wagner is also a free agent. He is not dominating the market because he is not the only inside linebacker available.
Another problem with this whole plan is that if David gets past the first week of the legal tampering period, Bucs will be a $6.85 million dead cap hit. This makes it even harder for the Bucks to sign anyone, let alone David.
Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo Credit: Matt Matera/PR
David and Bucs still have common interests, and he previously said he wanted Buccaneer to retire. But the reality is, it’s in David’s hands, and it’s hard to blame him for taking that option when he has the chance to play with a better deal or a team that is a Super Bowl contender next season. .
General Manager Jason Licht gave great acclaim .
“He’s one of Tampa Bay’s iconic players and will always be a buccaneer,” Licht said. “There’s no chance he’ll play for us next year yet. It’ll take two to agree on that. We’ll see how it plays out, but he’s a great player.”
In his 11 years at Tampa Bay, David became one of the greatest defensive players in Bucks history. The door isn’t quite closed, but either side may have to turn the page to a new chapter.
