Nebraska Football: Lavonte David continues to be absolute bargain

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed former Nebraska football linebacker Lavonte David to a one-year $10 million deal on Tuesday. This was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In doing so, he continues to be one of the biggest steals in the NFL.

He made a name for himself in Lincoln, totaling 285 tackles and 11.5 sacks in two years. He was the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year in 2011, in a year that saw him tally 133 total tackles. This was slightly less than the 152 tackles he recorded in 2010, but still pretty impressive to say the least.

He was named a two-time All-American in 2010 and 2011 and the accolades did not stop there. He was the winner of the inaugural Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award in 2011, and was also named to the All-Big Ten first-team. He often looked like a man among boys on the field, and his quickness and playmaking ability at the position were unmatched.

It became apparent very quickly that he was NFL ready. He was one of the most well-rounded defenders, and an electrifying playmaker on that side of the football.

David has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, and was a steal in the 2012 NFL draft. He was the 58^th overall pick in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft, and has remained a constant throughout his time in Tampa Bay, in a league that has been ever-changing throughout the course of his career.

The #Bucs keep another one home: Sources say they agree to terms with their own star LB Lavonte David, who gets a 1-year deal worth up to $10M. The base value is around $9M. pic.twitter.com/MUT5biU5a8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024

Nebraska Football alum continues to shine

In 13 seasons, David has recorded 1,480 combined tackles and 33.5 sacks. He recorded a First-Team Associated Press All-Pro honor in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl in 2015. He even has a Super Bowl to his name, winning one with the Buccaneers in 2020. It was the second Super Bowl in franchise history.

Now at 33 years of age, Father Time has not come calling just yet. He had another solid season for the Buccaneers, tallying 134 tackles, including 86 solo tackles. That was his most in a season since 2018. He also had 17 quarterback hits, his highest number since 2016. If anything, it’s almost as if he is aging backwards.

Linebackers like David are hard to find in terms of consistency, longevity, and physicality. David is a linebacker that doesn’t necessarily get a ton of national media attention. It’s kind of odd, considering that he came into the league at a time when the linebacker position was really a focal point in the league. Perhaps that’s why he flew under the radar.

In any event, he has been one of Tampa Bay’s best defensive players for years. He also has become one of Tampa Bay’s best bargains both on and off the field. This should come as no surprise to Nebraska football fans. Here’s to hoping he continues to carry the Husker torch.

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