The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have given star linebacker Lavonte David a massive contract extension, beginning after the 2015 season. The deal will pay him $50.25 million over five years with $25.56 of that guaranteed. The deal was announced on Sunday afternoon.
David was the Bucs second round draft choice in 2012 out of the University of Nebraska, and has since blossomed into one of the NFL's premier defensive players.
David is now the fifth highest paid linebacker behind only, Justin Houston of the Kansas City Chiefs, Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers, Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Redskins, and Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks. This deal is rightfully earned for David who is one of the most underrated players in all of the NFL.
Per Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, Bucs general manager told him, "Lavonte is a model player, a cornerstone of this franchise," Licht said. "And it is our intention to make sure that he's a part of this organization for years to come."
David, who is just 25, is worth this large investment. Last season he was a bright spot for the lowly Bucs who finished with a horrendous 2-14 record. David, a former All-Pro, finished with 146 tackles last year and also chipped in with four forced fumbles.
In his first three seasons with the team, David has led the team in tackles in each of them. Lavonte David has been consistently good and has been the leader of the Bucs defense. This season the Bucs are poised to have one of the NFL's most feared defenses if they can stay healthy. With David and defensive lineman Gerald McCoy, corner Alterraun Verner and many other pieces, the Bucs have one of the best defenses, on paper.
The deal is an overall great deal for Tampa Bay who will now have David for five more years, and maybe more to come after that. Tampa Bay needs a strong defense as they have to defend star quarterbacks Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton twice a year. This deal helps the Buccaneers in their ultimate goal of hopefully winning a Super Bowl trophy.