Lavonte David: Everything you need to know

The Buccaneers announced David's retirement from the NFL on Tuesday. A second-round pick of the Buccaneers in 2012, David was a model of consistency in 14 seasons in Tampa Bay, missing only 14 combined games and reaching the 100-tackle threshold 12 times while being named an All-Pro on three occasions. His overall contributions are Hall of Fame-worthy, but he'll have to wait the minimum five years before such an honor will be under consideration.

David's agent says that he will either play for the Bucs in 2026 or retire, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports. David underwent surgery to clean up his knee and is debating retirement. If he does decide to play in 2026, it will only be for the organization with which he has a long-standing relationship. His decision is expected to be made soon.

David recorded 114 tackles (61 solo), including 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed, including one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 17 games during the 2025 season. David played 17 games for the third time in the last four seasons, once again serving as the iron man of the Buccaneers' defense in his age-35 season. The standout linebacker recorded at least nine tackles on six occasions, and he posted multiple sacks and forced fumbles for the second consecutive campaign while eclipsing the 100-tackle mark for the fourth straight season as well. David played the 2025 season on a one-year, $9 million deal, and it remains to be seen if he and the team will come to terms on extending their working relationship for a 15th season.