Good Grade For The Return Of Lavonte David
March 13th, 2024
Season No. 13.
Joe thinks he can speak for all Bucs fans when they heard franchise icon Lavonte David re-upped for the 2024 season.
It brought a smile to Joe’s face and a sense of comfort. Things will turn out alright with the run defense with David back on board the pirate ship.
Well, it seems like Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano also had a smile on their faces. The duo, breaking down each and every signing this week for SI.com, gave the Bucs two thumbs-up for bringing David back.
… The 34-year-old David continued to play at a high level in 2023, recording 134 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and five passes defended during 15 regular season games. David is the latest star player to stay in Tampa Bay, joining Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield and Antoine Winfield Jr.—the trio avoided free agency, with Winfield getting tagged and Mayfield and Evans agreeing to extension.
With the core group intact, the Buccaneers could be a contender in the NFC after advancing to the divisional round last season.
Yes, Joe believes the Bucs could be a contender so long as they find an edge rush.
But Joe isn’t going to rain on David’s parade here. One of the better linebackers to play this game, and one of the franchise’s best players, David not playing with the Bucs would be like eating brown M&Ms. Just weird.
So how did Verderame and Manzano grade the Bucs’ re-signing of David? They gave the Bucs a solid “B.”
March 13th, 2024 at 9:05 am
Go Bucs
March 13th, 2024 at 9:18 am
WTF are we doing? Rb’s and Defensive rushers are flying all over and we are slowly signing a few of our own guys and trading a starter and 2 6rd picks for a low 3rd. Oh and although idc they are gone Shaq and White are off the team. Our oline isn’t that great except the left side. We resign a garbage rb. Don’t tell me we fix it in the draft. Too many holes not enough quality picks.
March 13th, 2024 at 9:28 am
That’s an A+ signing. LVD brings so much to the team. And when you factor in having (most likely) new linebackers, it’s absolutely a no brainer to bring back the guy with a ton of experience. A+ move without a doubt.
March 13th, 2024 at 9:33 am
Losing him would have been the most disheartening of all the FA’s to me. Guy has been around since the Dominik days and such a team guy. And he’s still playing at an elite level.
March 13th, 2024 at 9:57 am
A-
March 13th, 2024 at 10:01 am
They were a contender last year with barely any rush. There’s gonna be a draft pick and JTS is in a contract year, Ya-Ya will get better, maybe Watts comes on, maybe Ramirez figures it out. But the kvetching for this magical affordable pass rusher is reminding me of your left tackle rantings last year a bit.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Bucs don’t have salary cap room to be big FA players. BargIn bin only this year probably. Bucs will continue to try and get younger/cheaper. I was hoping for one very good FA G/C and then the other in the draft. Looks doubtful now.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:06 am
Licht verbalized his plan and to this point he has done everything he said he would, so according to him Wirfs new contract should be coming soon.
So whether you agree with his plan or not he absolutely gets an A for execution.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:19 am
The alarmist Nancys and Karens on this site make me laugh. We’re not even at the start of free agency and some of you already have soaking wet britches because the Bucs didn’t plunk down $25M a year for an edge rusher.
Relax Francis, the Bucs have a plan. Let’s see what it is before you need to go back to WalMart and restock your supply of Depends.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:40 am
Old Lions still eat. What LD might lose in speed he makes up for with instinct.
No young one is going to beat him. At least not during the battle. He may have to go Home and soak a little longer but the Kid will never know it.
Keep Banging Old Man.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:40 am
I get what Licht is doing. By resigning good character vets that have leadership qualities, the Bucs are building a culture that has the understanding of how to win.
Licht has to be drafting starters, not players to develop. It is about need but please no more Logan Halls and JTS type of players. Those guys were not ready to be starters and still aren’t. Take a proven player from a major program, even if they are the backup’s on a star-studded college team, take them if they can start.
Take the best available player, don’t draft for need. Talent over potential, developmental drafting isn’t a winning formula unless you have Tom Brady or Pat Maholmes or AJ Stroud to make up for deficiencies.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:48 am
Still think Bucs are gonna trade for a pass rusher….
Name to keep eye on:
Khalil Mack
Haason Reddick
Josh Sweat
Josh Allen (Jags sign & trade maybe?) – May cost too much
March 13th, 2024 at 10:55 am
I think a quality Center is more important than an edge rusher. Or at least just as important.
We’ll get there though.
March 13th, 2024 at 10:55 am
I just want Mayfield to have every chance to succeed and become elite. Because he has the potential but is nowhere close at present.
March 13th, 2024 at 11:22 am
LVD is THE leader of the defense. Would like to see him play a few more years to ensure his enrollment in the HOF. He really deserves it despite hardly ever getting the recognition he truly earned. Put him right next to Brooks in Canton. Get it done Ira!
Go Bucs!!!
March 14th, 2024 at 12:19 pm
Man oh man r u people ever satisfied what a solid bunch of weiners or crybabies take I r pick it kills me how many of u talk like u know more than I front office they are not getting paid to be schmucks so stop posting like schmucks