The Green Bay Packers have certainly been active so far during the 2026 free agency period. By way of trade, signings, or release decisions the team will undoubtedly look different on offense and defense this upcoming year.
One of those positions will be linebacker after the team decided to let Quay Walker and Kristian Welch walk. While Edgerrin Cooper and Zaire Franklin (recently traded from the Colts) will look to revamp the group, many believe the team still wants to bring in at least one more name to the position group.
Unfortunately, one possibility has retired from the league.
Packers See Star Free Agent Linebacker Retire From The NFL
According to ESPN, former Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David is retiring after 14 seasons. David was a 12 time captain who was a key member in Tampa Bay’s 2020 Super Bowl run. He was also the longest tenured player on their team:
David, who turned 36 in January, discussed his decision Tuesday at a news conference at the AdventHealth Training Center auditorium.
“I feel it’s time to move on and find a different path in life, be a dad to that amazing little girl over there,” David said, referring to his three-year-old daughter, Logan. “Having a girl helped me become a man, helped me understand what’s important in life.”
David said he came to the decision about a week ago.
“The first thing I thought about…is figure out my life, figure out my identity, figure out, ‘Who is Lavonte David?’” said David, who had been playing football since the age of 6. “People see me as Lavonte David the football player but who is Lavonte David? The main thing is being a great father.”
Where Do The Packers Go From Here?
Having Cooper and Franklin patrolling the middle of the defense creates a formidable duo. However, there are still multiple names out there who could make a difference. Here are a few:
- Bobby Okereke (New York Giants)
- Bobby Wagner (Washington Commanders)
- Devin White (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Matt Milano (Buffalo Bills)
It is also entirely possible that Green Bay looks to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh to add to the position.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold, follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to McQuade Arnold via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. On Wisconsin. Fear The Deer. This Is My Crew