Green Bay Packers: 5 Players to trade for in 2020 NFL offseason
By Joe Kipp
5. Lavonte David, LB
The Packers have a big decision to make at inside linebacker in 2020. Blake Martinez is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and it stands to reason that the team will probably move on due to his perceived price tag.
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That’s why the Packers should pursue a trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David. Drafted in the second round in 2012, David has spent all eight seasons of his career with the Bucs, being named to a Pro Bowl and twice an All-Pro during that span.
Playing the role of weakside outside linebacker (with some starts at middle linebacker) for most of his career, David is best suited as a ‘run and chase’ player who works sideline to sideline. He isn’t the biggest (6-1, 233 pounds), but he’s more than capable of holding his own in run defense.
One area David would help the Packers defense most is in coverage, particularly over the middle of the field. He was given a 91.4 coverage grade by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) this past season, ranking No. 1 at the linebacker position in that category. He finished the 2019 season with 122 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, one interception, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Entering the last year of his current contract, David just turned 30 years old in January. Additionally, the Buccaneers just spent a first-round pick on linebacker Devin White in the 2019 draft. Because of those factors, the Packers may be able to trade a fourth-round pick for his services.