Lavonte David Mulling 15th NFL Season in 2026

The veteran Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker is still deciding whether to return for another year.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lavonte David, the long-time Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and former Nebraska star, is undecided about playing a 15th NFL season in 2026. David, a Super Bowl LV champion, has been remarkably durable throughout his career, playing in 215 regular season games and never missing more than 4 games in a season. However, he said the 2025 season 'was a long season' and he's taking time to evaluate his future both physically and mentally before making a decision.

Why it matters

David has been a stalwart for the Buccaneers defense for over a decade, making the Pro Bowl in 2015 and earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2013. His potential retirement would be a significant loss for the team as they look to rebuild after missing the playoffs in 2025 despite a 6-2 start. David's decision could also impact the team's offseason plans and free agency strategy.

The details

David finished the 2025 season with 114 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. Over his 14-year career, he has amassed 1,716 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries and 3 defensive touchdowns. Despite his impressive resume, David said he's 'still thinking about' returning for another season and is focused on getting his 'body right' and 'mental place' in order to make the best decision.

  • David was named First-Team All-Pro in 2013 and twice to the Second-Team in 2016 and '20.
  • David was a Pro Bowler in 2015 and named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2012.
  • At Nebraska, David was two-time First-Team All-American and named the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2011. He was also the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2010.

The players

Lavonte David

A long-time linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Nebraska star who is considering retirement after 14 NFL seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL team that Lavonte David has played for his entire professional career, winning a Super Bowl in 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm just still thinking about it. It was a long season. A long season, for me, personally. Just dealt with a lot of things and the way everything went. Just got to have a great, right mentality for me.”

— Lavonte David, Linebacker (The Jim Rome Show)

“The great thing about it is the Bucs and me, we have great communication, so everything is open. We just talk to each other whenever each other is ready to make a deal, do something about it, but right now I'm just kind of calming down, relaxing, getting my body right and getting myself in a mental place to be able to make a decision.”

— Lavonte David, Linebacker (The Jim Rome Show)

“If I'm not thinking I'm the best out there on the field, there's no point in me going out there to play. But so far, so good. The trajectory is climbing, I'm feeling pretty good, you know, physically, always, but mentally I just have to get there. And when I'm there, I have to make sure I stay there to be able to take one whatever the season comes.”

— Lavonte David, Linebacker (The Jim Rome Show)

What’s next

David said he and the Buccaneers have 'great communication' and will continue discussing his future when they are both ready to make a decision about the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Lavonte David's potential retirement would be a significant loss for the Buccaneers, who have relied on his steady production and leadership for over a decade. His decision will impact the team's offseason plans as they look to bounce back from missing the playoffs in 2025. David's commitment to ensuring he is both physically and mentally prepared to play another season shows his professionalism and desire to finish his career on a high note.