Veteran linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement from the NFL on March 31, 2026, after 13 seasons, all spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 36-year-old made the announcement via social media, expressing gratitude to the organization and its fans.
David, a second-round pick in 2012, was a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' defense for over a decade. He was a key member of the team that won Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season. He finishes his career with over 1,400 tackles, 33.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
His retirement marks the end of an era for the Buccaneers' defense. The team has not announced a corresponding free-agent signing of a player named "Evans" for a $60 million deal as of April 1, 2026. Reports of such a contract could not be verified through official league sources or major sports news outlets.
