According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, David had been aiming for a contract similar to the $10 million per-year deal signed by 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis in 2010.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and linebacker Lavonte David have agreed on a contract extension, the team announced Sunday.
David was chosen to the NFL All-Professional staff following the 2013 season, through which he was extensively considered a snub for Professional Bowl honors that season, going up towards Three-Four outdoors linebackers who can pile up sacks as pass-rushers.
Now David is in place for years to come, on a Bucs team that is starting to assemble the kind of young talent needed to get out of the cellar.
The deal is reportedly worth $50.25 million, $25.56 million of which is guaranteed, and will keep him under contract through 2020.
“Lavonte David is as good as there is, ” Smith said Sunday, just before news of the deal broke.
The seven-time Pro Bowler had a solid year in 2004 with 126 tackles, an interception and a half sack but didn’t really get noticed. The linebacker also tallied 20 tackles for a loss in 2012, which is the second-highest number ever for a rookie.
In his three years David has compiled 429 tackles, six interceptions, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and a safety.
A second-round draft pick in 2012 out of Nebraska, David started every game his first two seasons before missing two games last season.
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General manager Jason Licht was particularly outspoken about David and what he means for Tampa’s defense moving forward, per Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune.
