3 Buccaneers FAs Jacksonville Jaguars should target this offseason
![Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F15544792-850x560-c61660bd60f24f26a9985f50423e8cd9e8053895e86055c1e1756211b70412fd.jpg)
. Linebacker. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lavonte David. 3. player. 48
Lavonte David could round out the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker unit.
Although the Buccaneers’ offense got plenty of attention throughout the 2020 season due to its superstar cast, their defense played a big role in helping them win their second Super Bowl in team history.
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ unit ranked eighth in total points allowed and sixth in total yards during the regular season. However, its captain, linebacker Lavonte David is set to hit the open market and will likely change teams this offseason.
A second-round selection in 2012’s draft, David has become a key cog in Tampa Bay’s defense. In his nine-year career, he’s only missed seven games and has logged 1,125 total tackles (128 for a loss), 24 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 24 forced fumbles and 12 interceptions. Moreover, he’s earned a Pro Bowl nod and an All-Pro designation.
David is an asset against the run but also excels against the pass. He’s earned a Pro Football Focus grade above 83.0 four times in his career and has never graded below 64.6. In Super Bowl 55, he did a great job of keeping Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in check. The Jaguars should be interested in adding him to a linebacker corps that already includes Joe Schobert and Myles Jack.