In continuing the theme of NFL teams locking up star young linebackers on long-term extensions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Lavonte David to a massive five-year, $50.25 million extension with $25.56 million guaranteed. 

David, a second-round pick out of Nebraska back in 2012, has put up 130-plus tackles in each of his first three seasons in Tampa Bay. He also tallied five interceptions en route to earning All-Pro honors back in 2013. 

With the $10 million-plus average annual salary, David now ranks first among 4-3 linebackers in that category. Overall, his annual average makes him the fifth highest-paid linebacker in the game. The $25.6 million David received in guaranteed money ranks second among NFL linebackers behind only Justin Houston of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

According to Pro Football Focus, David graded out as the seventh-best 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL last season, including the fifth-best in coverage. 

In terms of David's IDP value, he's ranked as the No. 2 overall player behind reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. That promises to remain the case throughout the duration of David's shiny new contract.