As linebacker Lavonte David heads into the final year of his rookie deal, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided it was time to guarantee him a longer stay with the team. The Bucs and David agreed to a five-year, $50.25 million extension on Sunday. The extension will include $25 million in guaranteed money.
Tampa Bay has made it clear for a while that they wanted to keep David around long term, and finally got the deal done in the first week of the preseason. David was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, and chosen to the All-Pro team, but has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
Coach Lovie Smith has called David the best outside linebacker in the game.
The third-year linebacker was tied for second in the league with four forced fumbles, and third in with 146 tackles, both career highs, last season.
David did drop a potential interception at Sunday's practice, but has showed no signs of struggling during a game. Tampa Bay held a a press conference on Monday to announce the deal.
The Buccaneers open up the preseason on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. They open the regular season on September 13th at home against the Tennessee Titans.
Tampa Bay has made it clear for a while that they wanted to keep David around long term, and finally got the deal done in the first week of the preseason. David was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft, and chosen to the All-Pro team, but has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
Coach Lovie Smith has called David the best outside linebacker in the game.
The third-year linebacker was tied for second in the league with four forced fumbles, and third in with 146 tackles, both career highs, last season.
David did drop a potential interception at Sunday's practice, but has showed no signs of struggling during a game. Tampa Bay held a a press conference on Monday to announce the deal.
The Buccaneers open up the preseason on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. They open the regular season on September 13th at home against the Tennessee Titans.
