Waiting continues.
If it is up to Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Bucs coach Todd Bowles, they want to roll with a 36-year old inside linebacker.
Look, unlike some readers of this here site, Joe is OK if the Bucs bring back franchise legend Lavonte David. However, Joe’s first option would be to bring in the best inside linebackers they can find.
If the Bucs sign, for example, Quay Walker and draft C.J. Allen out of Georgia, Joe would have the three on a rotation and make sure David becomes Allen’s big brother.
Once the regular season begins, Joe would inform the three that the two best start but David will absolutely be in the rotation.
Why does Joe bring this up? Well, Jenna Laine of ESPN had a post-combine Bucs notebook. Previously, the Bucs reportedly have told David if he wants to come back, there will be a roster spot for him.
Well, per Laine, the Bucs are more aggressive with David than that. They aren’t just leaving a light on for him, they want him back.
A source told ESPN that Lavonte David, the team’s longest-tenured player, still has not decided whether he will return to play for a 15th season, but the Bucs made it clear to his representatives in Indianapolis that they want him back, and the ball is said to be in his court.
Again, whether David wants to come back or not, they have to prepare as if David will retire. It’s not fair to the rest of the team as free agency begins not to address inside linebacker.
If David ends up retiring and the Bucs get caught with their pants down, now what do you do at inside linebacker?
So Joe thinks Licht and Bowles need to attack free agency next week as if David will retire. If he comes back, hey, that’s icing on the cake.
The Bucs cannot afford to paint themselves into a corner.
As Joe previously reported, David had arthroscopic knee surgery after the 2025 season and has been rehabbing at One Buc Palace.