Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Lavonte David has been leaving it all on the field for the pewter and red on Sundays for the last 13 seasons. After Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders, it's fair to wonder if David left it out on the Raymond James Stadium field for the last time.
David was asked about his thoughts on his future after the game, and the veteran defender said he was going to take some time to reflect and see where his head is at, while also spending some time with his family (5:00 mark of video).
"A lot to think about. I'm just going to go ahead, go home. Be with my little girl. Be a dad, and go from there."
David, just days short of his 35th birthday, hasn't lost much of a step. That was evidenced by his pursuit and hit of Washington QB Jayden Daniels in the first half to force a fourth down that the Bucs would go on to stop in the first quarter. An athletic play that you don't see many guys in their 30s be able to still make.
That's why, for Bucs fans hoping the veteran defender returns to Tampa Bay this offseason, there's reason to believe he could still do that. David signed a one-year contract last offseason and is now an unrestricted free agent. He finished with a strong season statistically of 122 combined tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and an interception.
We'll see over the next couple of months if David decides to return, and if he and the Buccaneers can work out a deal to bring him back for one more run at a Super Bowl championship at the end of an illustrious career.
