After a disappointing finish to the 2025 season, questions have hovered over nearly every corner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason.
One major talking point has been 14-year veteran linebacker Lavonte David.
As AZ Sports noted, on Thursday, David removed much of the uncertainty surrounding his own situation.
Appearing on Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams, the franchise icon delivered an unfiltered, emotional assessment of where he stands with the Buccaneers and with head coach Todd Bowles.
Lavonte David’s Future With Buccaneers
David made it very clear that any return in 2026 would only come with the Buccaneers.
“To be honest with you, I don’t think so,” David said when asked about playing for another team. “It’s the Bucs or nowhere else.”
David cited comfort, loyalty, and deep-rooted relationships as the driving forces behind his decision.
“I played my fourteen-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they’ve been real. They’ve been loyal to me,” David said.
“My family has grown to love the city. I know everybody in the building. They know me.”
At this stage of his career, the idea of starting over elsewhere doesn’t appeal to him.
“I don’t think me being somewhere else would feel right,” David admitted.
“Walking into another building this late in my career would feel awkward. I don’t know if I’d be able to take it seriously enough.”
The ball is now in the Buccaneers’ court. If they choose not to bring him back, David will retire.
Todd Bowles’ Impact on Lavonte David
At the center of Lavonte David’s decision is head coach Todd Bowles.
David didn’t hesitate when Adams asked how Bowles’ job security factored into his thinking.
“If Bowles wasn’t coming back, there was no shot [of a return],” David said. “That’s a fact.”
The two have worked together for seven seasons, and David described their bond as foundational to his continued desire to play.
“I’ve gotten extremely comfortable with him, comfortable with his defense,” David said. “Every year he’s teaching me something new, even now, in Year 14.”
David also defended Bowles from outside criticism, emphasizing how respected he is inside the locker room.
“The media and fans give him a hard time because you don’t see much character out of him,” David said. “But we see it all. That’s why we love him.”
With Bowles retained and general manager Jason Licht signaling he’d like David back in 2026, David has made it clear that’s what he wants as well.
If there’s one more ride for David, it will be with Bowles and it will be in Tampa Bay.
3× All-Pro Linebacker Sends Clear Message on His Buccaneers Future