Former Bucs LB Lavonte David already missing the NFL?
· Yahoo Sports
Lavonte David appears comfortable with his decision to retire, but one of the Buccaneers’ newest additions briefly had him wondering what another season in Tampa Bay might have looked like.
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Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper highlighted David’s recent appearance on ESPN’s “This Is Football” with Kevin Clark, where the longtime Buccaneers linebacker discussed the team’s selection of edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. David already knew the former Miami standout and reached out to him after Tampa Bay made the pick.
“They are going to be some animals,” David said. “I knew Bain already. I reached out to him after he got drafted; he told me, man, like, ‘Man, I wish you just waited one more year.’ And, I was like in my mind like, ‘Maybe I should have, but, you know, the deal is done already. I’m out, my guy.’ But I told him I’m definitely going to be there to support him and stuff like that. I definitely have high hopes for those guys.”
David announced his retirement in March after 14 seasons with the Buccaneers, ending a career in which he remained productive through his final year. According to PFF, he played 1,023 defensive snaps in 2025 and recorded 71 tackles, 32 assists, four sacks and 43 defensive stops. Even as his role changed late in his career, he continued serving as one of the defense’s most experienced leaders.
Bain’s arrival gave David a reason to briefly reconsider because of what the rookie could bring to Todd Bowles’ defense. Tampa Bay is also entering a new era at linebacker with Alex Anzalone and Josiah Trotter expected to help replace David’s production and leadership, while Bain joins Yaya Diaby as part of a rebuilt group on the edge.
Nothing in David’s comments suggests a comeback is being considered. He acknowledged that his playing career is finished and instead plans to support Bain and the rest of Tampa Bay’s young defenders from outside the huddle. David has also expressed interest in coaching, which could eventually give him another way to remain involved with the organization.
For now, David will watch the Buccaneers begin their next chapter without him. Bain may have made him think twice for a moment, but the franchise legend sounds ready to support Tampa Bay’s new defensive core rather than join it on the field.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Former Bucs LB Lavonte David already missing the NFL?