While it’s been a while since David received the best-at-his-position accolades he usually receives, he has been one of the Buccaneers’ most important defensive leaders.
David started all 17 games for Tampa Bay last season, posting a career high of 215. He reached 100 tackles for the fourth straight season and 12th overall, with 3.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, three passes defensed, an interception and two fumble recoveries with two forced fumbles.
If David decides to return, there’s certainly a place for someone of his caliber on the Bucs as they look to pick up the pieces after a shocking five-year streak of postseason play. Tampa Bay was 6-2 after Week 9, only to lose seven of its next nine to miss the playoffs.
“We can’t do anything but blame ourselves, how the season went, how it ended and everything like that,” David said. “I’m sure a lot of kids were left with a bad taste in their mouths and I know things will be different.”
If the sour taste of a late-season collapse isn’t enough to drive David to drive it back, the history books could presumably provide some magic — even for someone as team-focused as David.
The Buccaneers rank David tied for the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles with Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.
“This is an incredible achievement,” said David. “I’m extremely humbled by it. To be able to be tied to Derrick Brooks is unbelievable. The accolades he gets, the type of player and person he is, I don’t take that for granted.”
While it would be fitting that two of the team’s legends share the record if David eventually hangs up, he would only need one more tackle to stand alone.
Redemption from 2025 and past franchise giants — such speculation will have to wait for now.
Just one week after Super Bowl LX, David has plenty of time to consider his options.