The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been active in free agency.
On Wednesday, they made two moves to sign players who should play major roles on their roster in 2023.
The first was agreeing to a one-year contract with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
He is expected to be the starter in 2023 and be the replacement for Tom Brady.
But, the Buccaneers should know they need to put a great roster around Mayfield, and they are trying to do that by signing one of their veteran linebackers.
According to Josina Anderson, the Bucs are signing Lavonte David to a one-year deal.
Lavonte David just text me he is returning to Tampa on a 1-year deal.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 15, 2023
David has been one of the most important defensive players on the Bucs over the past few seasons.
He was the leader of their Super Bowl-winning defense and still has some juice left.
Last season, David played all 17 games and recorded 124 total tackles.
Even though he will be 33 years old next season, the Bucs still want Davis leading the middle of their defense.
Playing in the NFC South, Tampa Bay has a decent shot at winning its third straight division title.
That is because the rest of the division consists of a bunch of unproven teams.
Its season will come down to how well Mayfield can play as the starter.
Derek Carr seems to be the best QB in the NFC South as of now, but he is not unbeatable.
Tampa Bay has to feel good about its chances if it can get efficient quarterback play all season.
At this point, it is anyone’s guess which team will be the best heading into 2023.
But the Bucs are doing what they can to keep themselves in the running.
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NFL Fans React To Today’s Baker Mayfield News
