NFC South Update
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a contract extension with Lavonte David. The 25-year-old, weak-side linebacker, was slated to make just under $750K on last year of his rookie contract in 2015. The lucrative, 5-year deal worth $50.25 million includes $25.56 million in guaranteed money and makes David the 5th highest paid linebacker on an annual basis in the NFL regardless of scheme, inside or outside. Despite being undersized (6’1” 223) David’s sideline-to-sideline athleticism and high football IQ make him an incredible playmaker and allows him to excel as the “Will” in the Tampa 2 defense. Along, with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Lavonte David is a keystone member of the Buccaneers’ organization and he certainly is being paid as such. However, his rare ability to play on all three downs and excel in coverage and offer in the pass rush department is certainly rare and worth the investment. Named to the 2013 All Pro team (first team) what further distinguishes Lavonte David from his peers is that he uses his superior instincts not only to find the ball with regularity but he is adept at creating turnovers with six interceptions and six forced fumbles in his first three professional seasons.
