Lavonte David agrees to 5-year to extension with Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed linebacker Lavonte David to a five-year contract extension, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. A second-round pick in 2012, David has been selected to the All-Pro team, but has not made a Pro Bowl.

David was tied for second in the league with four forced fumbles and was third in the NFL with 146 total tackles.

Lavonte David read the eyes of QB Jameis Winston, jumped underneath the intended receiver and broke up a red zone pass that could have gone for a touchdown Sunday.

While David doesn’t necessarily receive the credit he deserves from a league-wide perspective, the Bucs are well-aware of the type of player they have on their hands.

Much of the talk at the receiver position has been about a deep, talented group of five rookies, but Smith said Herron has also had a good first week, competing for a job at slot receiver. “Believe me. He should be a five-plus interception linebacker every year”.

David agreed to terms Sunday and is expected to sign the contract on Monday, when the Bucs have scheduled a news conference to announce the extension. He led the team again last season with 101 tackles. It was the next year in 2005 that he took off with 107 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and a forced fumble. But that didn’t keep Bucs general manager Jason Licht or David’s agent, Ron Butler, from strongly suggesting that a deal would get done in due time.

As for David, if the 25-year-old plays the next five seasons of his career like he played his first three, then the Buccaneers investment will absolutely pay off.