The Bucks, and certainly their fanbase, are eagerly awaiting the next step in the future of veteran linebacker Labonte David. Yes, and Tampa Bay certainly wants him back for a 12th season, but it has to be priced appropriately given the current salary cap constraints facing the team.
The linebacker position has essentially dominated the early days of the NFL’s free agency period. The deals are all over the place, with some bargain deals and some big money deals.
But there has been little news about Lavonte David, the Bucks’ 2012 second-round pick who has been in Tampa for over a decade. When the free agency window opened, the only real news we got was that he planned to keep the option open. It’s no different from what he told the local media after losing to Dallas at the card.
talked with #Bucs LB Lavonte David as the NFL’s negotiating window is now open.
David is very relaxed and energetic.
“I’m just sitting there and waiting to see what calls come in and where the best fit is,” David told me.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2023
After being inundated with movement on Monday, Tuesday was a little slower across the league. And as things start to slow down and the team continues to sign other linebackers other than his named Lavonte David, the situation is becoming more and more for the Bucks as they try to bring the longtime captain back for at least another year. It’s getting better
But the Buffalo Bills seem like a team to watch. According to NYup.com Bills reporter Ryan Talbot, the back-to-back AFC East champions got in touch with the 33-year-old this week.
Can the Bills keep Lavonte David away from the Bucs?
Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo Credit: USA Today
Lavonte David has had a successful career so far. being a one team man Like Rondo Barber and Derrick Brooks before him.
“Certainly. I would like to retire as a buccaneer,” said David. Said on the Ronnie & TKras show last month“It would be great if I could play in the same building for my entire career, like players like Rondo Barber and Derrick Brooks. I was.
“Especially Derrick Brooks, you guys know how I feel about Derrick. played in Tampa and was a staple of their work.”
Barber spent his entire 16-year career in Tampa Bay. Brooks played all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Bucks. Labonte David has now played all 11 of his professional seasons in red, white and pewter. But can he immediately trade that red, white, and pewter for Buffalo Bill’s red, white, and blue?
If David goes elsewhere, Buffalo seems like a good fit. The Bills had just signed All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano to a contract extension, but lost Tremaine Edmunds to the Bears in free agency. That’s why there’s a huge vacancy at the linebacker position in Buffalo. And if David wants to give himself the best chance of winning another Super Bowl ring when his career is over, the Bills would be one of the better teams to sign.
Bucs LB Lavonte David and Bills TE Dawson Knox – Photo Credit: USA Today
With Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Dawson Knox leading the offense and Milan, Von Miller, Ed Oliver and Tredavius White leading the defense, the Bills will be the frontrunners again in 2023. prize. The defense made the unit even more formidable, already conceding just 17.9 points per game in 2022.
So yes, the bill may have its eye on Labonte David. Bucks also continues to monitor his situation. Sure, it comes down to money in part, but if money is anywhere near, it’s probably going to be a pretty poignant decision for the Tampa Bay legend.
Will he come back and finish his career with the team that drafted him? Or will he give himself another chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy before hanging his cleats for good?
It won’t be long before we find out what his future holds, but we all know he’ll be back at Raymond James Stadium in some form in the future. will rise in Honor.
