 Koetter chose to replace defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier with former Atlanta Falcons' head coach Mike Smith.Head coach Dirk Koetter named David and Daryl Smith the starting outside linebackers in 2016, along with middle linebacker Kwon Alexander.On December 4, 2016, David recorded three combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and returned an interception for a touchdown as the Buccaneers defeated the San Diego Chargers 28–21.