Lavonte David and Bucs agree to extension

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and OLB Lavonte David have agreed upon a five-year, $50.25 million extension. He will also receive $25.56 million guaranteed.

David has emerged as one of the top linebackers in the league over the past few seasons. Last season, he ranked third in total tackles, despite missing two games due to injury.

The Buccaneers first acquired David by drafting him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska, where he set the single season tackle record in 2010, and was a two-time First Team All-American.

In his rookie season, he led the team in tackles, and solidified a starting position. Ever since, he has been an elite linebacker and one of the best outside linebackers in the game. He is a tackle machine and one of the best young players the game has to offer.

While he has never been to a Pro Bowl, he did earn First Team All-Pro honors in 2013.

David now becomes the sixth highest paid linebacker in football.

Lavonte has found a home in Tampa Bay, and now that he has been signed, the Buccaneers have a very talented young defense. 

With Gerald McCoy on the line, it seems as if Tampa has found a new Derrick Brooks/Warren Sapp duo. McCoy had 8.5 sacks last season, and when you combine that with David’s 146 tackles, you have a solid all-around defense. 

Now with McCoy and David under contract, the Buccaneers can look to continue building their defense.