Analyst Believes 2025 Could Be Final Season for Buccaneers Legend

Analyst Believes 2025 Could Be Final Season for Buccaneers Legend originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker Lavonte David is entering his 14th season, and briefly contemplated retirement before re-signing a one-year, $9 million deal for 2025.

David has been vocal about contemplating retirement after completing a one-year deal with the Bucs in 2024. He remains one of the best defensive players on the team, and at age 34 is still playing at a high level.

That’s something the Bucs desperately need in 2025, but David’s future in the league past next season is uncertain.

CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan thinks that David could hang up his cleats after 2025.

“David re-signed with the Buccaneers on a one-year deal earlier this offseason, so the 35-year-old will be gearing up for his 14th season in the NFL,” Sullivan wrote. “Similar to Wagner, David is still playing at a tremendously high level, totaling at least 122 tackles in each of the last three seasons. His Buccaneers are also among the bigger threats in the NFC and are the betting favorite to once again win the NFC South, which would ensure another playoff berth.

“All that pointed to him returning for 2025, but beyond that is a serious question. David would be looking at his age-36 season in 2026, so this could very well be the last ride.”

David posted 122 total tackles with 76 solo, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

On a team that struggled to get pressure on the quarterback all season, David stood out. Now that he could be entering his final season in the league, he could have more to prove.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.

Analyst Believes 2025 Could Be Final Season for Buccaneers Legend

Tags: