Report: Buccaneers, Lavonte David making progress toward long-term extension

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are progressing toward a long-term contract extension with star linebacker Lavonte David, according to Rand Getlin of NFL Network.

Getlin had reported last week that there was "meaningful distance" between the two sides in their efforts to reach a new deal, but some substantial progress appears to have been made as the start of training camp approaches.

David still has one season remaining on his original rookie deal, giving the Buccaneers plenty of time to work out a contract before they'd risk losing him on the open market, but the sensible solution would be to lock him up well in advance of free agency.

Despite playing on a weak Buccaneers defense, David has been quick to establish himself as one of the NFL's top off-ball linebackers.

His contributions have been steady over three seasons since joining the club as a second-round selection out of Nebraska in 2012, with a 2013 All-Pro season - in which he recorded an incredible 145 tackles, seven sacks, and five interceptions - standing out above the rest.