David, Bucs Getting Closer?
August 2nd, 2015
NFL Network seems to believe the Bucs and Lavonte David are inching closer on a new pact.
Joe understands how freaked out Bucs fans are that Lavonte David, entering the final season of his current deal, has yet to re-sign. For Joe, this is a total back-burner issue.
As Joe has stated, the Bucs have control over David through the 2017 season. If push comes to shove, the Bucs can franchise him the next two seasons. From talking to Bucs folks in the past, Joe has the distinct impression they wouldn’t hesitate to use those options, if there was a contract impasse. So this David contract issue is not news unless he is still unsigned in January 2018.
By that time, the Earth could be wiped out by a rogue meteor.
However, Rand Getlin of NFL Network believes there is movement in the talks between the Bucs and David’s people, so Getlin Twittered late last night.
Lavonte David’s agent, Ron Butler (@NewButler1), and the #Bucs will continue talking over the coming days. Sides motivated to strike a deal.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) August 2, 2015
The Wagner deal was always going to inform the Lavonte David deal. We now know what the top of the market looks like for elite LB’s. — Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) August 2, 2015
The “Wagner” reference is to Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner signing a four-year, $43 million extension yesterday, per the Seattle Times.
This is good to read, but again, Joe isn’t the least bit concerned. It’s way, way, way too premature to start gnawing fingernails off worrying about David’s contract.
Bucs fans, David isn’t going anywhere soon. No need to fret. Rather, there is need to worry about the offensive line. Now.
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:03 am
Anyone “freaking out” about David not having a new contract either doesn’t have a life, has little to do or lows very little about the NFL.
Whoops, that description involves about 60 percent of Joe’s followers, especially the Lovie haters.
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:05 am
🙂
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:11 am
I agree with the Joe’s that ultimately LVD’s deal will get done. I’m not in any kind of panic.
Having said that however I’d rather get this deal done sooner rather than later. Not because I’m worried about losing LVD but because we don’t need one of our best defenders unhappy with his treatment.
No LVD doesn’t have any leverage other than to hold out at some point…not that I think he will do this…but I’d just as soon get ANY potential distraction eliminated ASAP.
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:15 am
Having LVD signed sooner rather than later does two things, we have him for a while and he is paid more money now so he than has something to prove to himself which, I think will make him even better. Look at how GMC came to camp.
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:27 am
The Bucs “have him for a while” at this very moment (see above).
August 2nd, 2015 at 11:39 am
Personally, I don’t think he should be paid top dollar.
He’s on a losing team and his production slipped last year. I think he still has a lot to prove.
August 2nd, 2015 at 12:41 pm
“He’s on a losing team and his production slipped last year.”
Which is why the bucs probably want the deal done before he explodes on the field in this scheme of Lovie Smith, and I believe he will. He is a great player, but did look confused early in the season last year.
The market is good for a new deal sooner than later. Get him signed now for near top dollar, not the record deal, or franchise tag problems later on.
August 2nd, 2015 at 12:45 pm
No concern here on getting LVD eventually signed to a second contract. I am more concerned that we save enough cap space to sign any possible upgrades that become available on the waiver wire as the preseason progresses. DE, OL and WR could all be positions that we could possibly get some help by a younger veteran who may be talented but is just on a team that is loaded at said players particular position. Not that I think there is a tremendous chance of vastly improving through waiver acquisitions but it is a possibility nonetheless.
August 2nd, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Be careful drdneast those Animosity Amigos are always circling.
August 2nd, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Even Incompetent Lovie knows he needs to sign the best player on the team to an extension. This is a no brainer. If McCoy is getting top dollar then LVD should also get the same treatment.
August 2nd, 2015 at 2:51 pm
So far LVD has been quiet about his extension possibilities, handling it like he plays, with confidence, just as I expected.
August 2nd, 2015 at 3:35 pm
I told you drdneast.
August 2nd, 2015 at 5:24 pm
“By that time, the Earth could be wiped out by a rogue meteor”. Where’s my hardhat, duck and cover.
August 2nd, 2015 at 7:38 pm
I don’t think buc fans are worried that it won’t get done. We are just wondering why it’s taking any amount of time to get done. This should be super easy, give him what he wants for the next 10 years. He’s the best linebacker in football. Don’t be cheap, he’s worth every penny.