Todd Bowles Confesses He’s Unsure Of Lavonte David’s Plans
February 25th, 2025
Bucs coach Todd Bowles speaks from Indianapolis.
Jason Licht said it And Todd Bowles concurs.
The Bucs’ AC/DC-loving general manager today at the combine in Indianapolis said he really doesn’t know what franchise icon Lavonte David plans to do this fall, play football or retire. Licht wants to give David space and time to make a decision.
Head coach Bowles said the same this afternoon, also at the combine. Bowles said he spoke twice with David in recent weeks. Once was when he talked with David in his postseason exit interview. And against recently to talk about a coaching change.
“I spoke to him after the season — we had our season-ending meeting — and he needed some time and we always give him time,” Bowles said. “And then I called him when I was letting him know [Mike] Caldwell was coming back [to coach inside linebackers]. He was happy about that.
“But no decision has been made. He hasn’t let me know one way or the other. Hopefully he can come back.”
Unlike Licht, who promised the Bucs have plans to execute if David retires, Bowles did not mention what he or the team would do if David hangs up his cleats.
Bowles did mention, strongly, that the Bucs defense needs ballhawks. So if David retires, Joe guesses the Bucs will try to bring in a linebacker known for takeaways or forcing fumbles.
February 25th, 2025 at 2:46 pm
Need to plan for life without Lavonte – if he comes back on a friendly deal, it’s a luxury, but can’t count on it.
February 25th, 2025 at 3:04 pm
Definitely need to be looking for more ILB’s.
If he comes back for 1 more year that’s great but he’s going to be gone this year or next.
February 25th, 2025 at 3:26 pm
If David does not come back we need 2 starting LBs which is going to be hard to do with the other needs we have.
February 25th, 2025 at 4:16 pm
Maybe LVD would like to play with Zach Baum or Bobby Wagner? LoLo could prove he’s better than Bobby and have fun doing it!
February 25th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Love our HOF Lavonte David. Hope he enjoys his time off and then runs it back next year as our Leader. LVD coming back = Super Bowl
February 25th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
Maybe if someone told LVD that the rest of the back 7 around him wouldn’t play like special Olympic rejects, it would entice him to give it one more go.