Report: Lavonte David Still Considering A 2026 Return
February 24th, 2026
If a classy player plans on quitting, does he have his agent meet with his team of 14 years as free agency approaches?
Joe would answer that with a, ‘No.’
Iconic Bucs linebacker Lavonte David, the team’s second-round pick in 2012, is grappling with the idea of playing a 15th season. David last spoke publicly on the Caps Off podcast recorded just after the Super Bowl, where he said with gusto, “I still have a lot of football left in me.”
Yesterday, somebody important (perhaps David) talked to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine about David’s future. And Laine wrote last night on ESPN.com that David has not made a decision on retirement. But more important, Laine wrote that David’s “representative will meet with the Bucs to discuss.”
Now why send your agent to talk to the Bucs if retirement is dominating your thoughts? Perhaps David is on the fence about how much the Bucs are willing to pay for his services.
David already has said head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht have welcomed him back for the 2026 season — if he wants to play.
David is neither interested in playing for another team, nor interested in playing for another coach, as he pledged 100 percent support for Bowles.
The football world has invaded frigid Indianapolis (it was 20 degrees when Joe checked into his hotel around midnight) and the seeds of future contracts, potential trades and sifting through the draft chaff to begin 2026 roster construction start in earnest.
Today, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Bowles will speak from the Indiana Convention Center, the beehive of the combine. David’s status may become more clear.
Joe wonders if a David return would make Mike Evans more eager to re-sign.