Be Aggressive
February 15th, 2026
Decisions.
The Bucs of the post-Tom Brady era seem to be of the “trust the process” mindset, as Nick Saban might say.
The Bucs are proud of their draft process. You may have heard of “I Am That Man.” And *that man* is on the brink of retirement.
The Bucs trust their ability to size up prospects and develop them. The first part has played out well since Brady retired. The development? Eh, not so much.
So the Bucs have become a tweener team, suggests ESPN NFL scribe Jeremy Fowler. He says they’re good enough to make a playoff run after a couple of additions, but also a team with enough holes to go south in a hurry if they’re not successfully addressed.
Tampa Bay falls somewhere between contention and the need for a mini rebuild. The Bucs need to address their defense this offseason. The group needs talent improvements at all three levels, most notably pass rusher. This would be as good an offseason as any to take some chances to acquire quality defensive players.
Well, the Bucs have a lot of defensive holes, specifically in the front-seven. It is unlikely they can all be filled by just one draft class.
Joe doesn’t expect Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to go out like a drunken sailor next month and spend Team Glazer loot like Licht’s at the craps table at Aria.
So, might Licht be aggressive and bring in decent starting inside linebackers? And Joe’s not talking about the Anthony Walkers of the world. Might durable and productive veteran Germaine Pratt fit Todd Bowles’ defense?
February 15th, 2026 at 6:54 am
The Bucs have been in full rebuild since Brady/Gronk & company. They have invested draft capital on the front 7, but with little luck. Maybe Licht should stick to evaluating Offensive lineman and find someone who specializes in aggressive defensive players.
February 15th, 2026 at 7:03 am
I am sticking with what I have been saying!!!!
The Glazers fear the ‘Beard’ aka ‘Rooney Rule!!!!’
As long as they fear that….. there will be no such thing as being aggressive with the Buccaneers!!!
SMH
February 15th, 2026 at 7:15 am
Pratt would def be an upgrade….but we still have to draft them youngins…
A QB hungry team will trade up with us for 15….its what i see…if we only drop a few spots and get another 2nd, i say go for it….
1st (18 after trade down) Vega Ioane, if he’s not there DT Kayden McDonald
2nd (46) Edge R. Mason Thomas
2nd (49) LB Josiah Trotter (-or flip these two picks)
3rd (77) TE Michael Trigg / or TE Jack Endries if Trigg is gone
4th (116) LB Harold Perkins jr
5th (154) QB Sawyer Robertson
6th (194) RB Adam Randall
7th (216) Edge Caden Curry
February 15th, 2026 at 7:16 am
Btw, thats if Styles is gone, and he will be…..
February 15th, 2026 at 7:32 am
The draft record is blunderful.
February 15th, 2026 at 7:56 am
If Sonny Styles is gone then absolutely trade back if you can. Increase your chances of success by having more picks. There are quality DTs in 3rd round. Get best LB and Edge early. There are are also a few mid round DBs that fits Bowles mold. Hoping we sign a decent Edge and LB in free agency otherwise all this talk is just a waste. I just can’t see Jason going for FAs unless they are in the discount section 😐
February 15th, 2026 at 8:10 am
The 3 hardest positions to get for a team also happen to be the 3 most important. QB, EDGE, LT.
LB’s are more plug and play id fill this hole with actual FA’s no more cute approaches like Dennis just go out and get a couple actual starters.
At 15 we pick too late for a premier EDGE so trading for one shouldn’t be off the table. EDGE rush is the key if we don’t fix it we are doomed
February 15th, 2026 at 8:11 am
No matter who the Bucs bring in, the problem is not going to be solved in the short term. Apparently, Bowles’ defense is so complicated, it takes quite some time to master – months, years. Rookies and veterans alike seem to be confused about their responsibility on any given play. That’s why you see defenders standing like statues with receivers wide open in the holes in the zones. Nobody seems to know who is supposed to pick up whom so they just stand in their assigned spots and hopefully make a tackle after the easy catch is made.
Bowles’ answer about coverage breakdowns at press conferences is always the same – “we, the players and coaches, need to communicate better”. Communicating mid-play is already too late. They need to know what they are doing the second they line up and who they are going to pick up when they get anywhere near their spot in the zone. This defense is just too complicated – something Ronde Barber has acknowledged. Too bad Bowles can’t see that.
February 15th, 2026 at 8:23 am
Ain’t buying what has been coming out of One Luck Place
Those inside the building are getting G direct deposits obviously believe each other but they are drinking the Fool Aide
David, Evans, Godwin are past their prime
1-7
February 15th, 2026 at 8:32 am
I’m expecting more of the same, calculated risks and some swing at players of value in order to fix some of the fixable talent issues with this team on both sides of the ball. Of course, we can’t do much anything in FA without pinching some pennies in house, as we’re middle of the pack in regards to our cap space.
Depending on where we go in terms of bringing in players at the start of the new league year, we’ll get a clearer picture of how aggressive we can be in the draft where I think the pay off is bigger than any haul of players we can bring in FA.
There’s plenty of opportunity to re-fortify this roster in all 3 phases.
February 15th, 2026 at 8:34 am
I think JL’s seat is warm this year. Needs a really good draft and grab some FAs. And as many others I still dont know how Bowles is still here after dropping so many coaches on defense. Doesn’t make sense. Even at my age I still have a lot to learn so I guess I’m missing something.
February 15th, 2026 at 8:57 am
Its all about redzone defense now in today’s NFL. The kickers are almost automatic from 50 yards and in, so holding good offenses to 3 is about the best you can hope for.
This team needs more freaks in the box on defense. Inside LB’s with lots of range, and bigger safety/LB/slot hybrids. Pass rushers are great, but theyre useless if the middle of the field is wide open all game long and the opposing offense is in 3rd/4th and manageable on every series of downs.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:02 am
Bojim, you ain’t the only one missing something if we fail to draft Jacob Rodriguez, given the chance to do that.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:12 am
Jeremy Fowler’s revelation! Why didn’t we think of that!!!
February 15th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Joe Says:
“Well, the Bucs have a lot of defensive holes, specifically in the front-seven. It is unlikely they can all be filled by just one draft class.”
=======================================
The Bucs have just as many holes in the back 5. Hard to say otherwise watching the confusion in the back end of the defense when it comes to pass prorection. Invite all who post here to name a couple of Bucs defenders that could start for the Seahawks, NE, Detroit or the Rams. Will be waiting a long time after you get past Vita Vea.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:37 am
Gipper. We also have a hole at quarterback he’s to short and he can’t see over the line and the bucs will not win with him at quarterback. What’s going to be the excuse this year if he plays like he did last season. Oh let me guess he’s injured it’s the defense fault it’s the line fault 😂😂. Last but not least it’s Bowles fault why he throws picks late in the 4th quarter that cost us games.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:37 am
Trade Winfield and number 15 for Crosby. I hate to say it but I know what my eyes see every week. Hes not good. Forget the pro bowl and all the bs. Hes not good he aint been good in two plus years. That allows us to bring in a better lb in free agency and possibly stiĺ trade up for Jacob Rodriguez in the second if needed. If they add Devin loyd crispy and him jjst that alone adds fuel and attitude and production to this defense. We have no guys that are hungry to
Attack on this team. And a coach who doesnt seem to understand that simplified defense is needed
February 15th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Every year it’s the same old when it comes to the draft. There is always a player or 3 that folks think is “cant miss” and the story goes “if player X isnt there”..this year that guy seems to Styles. Ive watched him play and now have gone back and watched a couple more games with him being the focus. I’m just not as blown away as others. One game I saw a series of plays that looked very much like SVD 2.0
Add to the fact he doesn’t play an elite position (QB, LT, Pass rusher), im not in the Styles or bust camp.
I’d much rather add 2 vet LBers in FA and let the draft be about pass rush. Either an edge at 15 or a DL like McDonald or Banks.
Maybe if Bowles was fired and we had a new scheme on defense, I would be more on the Styles bandwagon, but I just dont see the value.
Trenches (edge, DL, OL) please
February 15th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Scotty’s frustration makes sense — but it’s not that simple.
1️⃣ Yes, Bowles’ system is complex.
It’s a pressure-heavy, disguise-based defense with pattern-match rules. That means defenders don’t just guard a spot — they react to route combinations. If one guy misreads it, the whole coverage can look busted.
2️⃣ Confusion usually isn’t about mid-play communication.
It’s about pre-snap checks and knowing who carries which route based on alignment. When two defenders expect the other to take a receiver, you get the “standing in grass” look.
3️⃣ The real issue:
Complex systems require veteran continuity. Young DBs + injuries + rotating personnel = breakdowns. When the Bucs had experienced players in 2020, this same system won a Super Bowl.
Bottom line:
The defense isn’t “bad because it’s complicated.” It’s only a problem if the complexity isn’t matching the talent on the field. If guys can’t execute it cleanly, it needs to be simplified so they can play faster.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:55 am
Oneilbuc Says:
February 15th, 2026 at 9:37 am
Gipper. We also have a hole at quarterback he’s to short and he can’t see over the line and the bucs will not win with him at quarterback. What’s going to be the excuse this year if he plays like he did last season. Oh let me guess he’s injured it’s the defense fault it’s the line fault 😂😂. Last but not least it’s Bowles fault why he throws picks late in the 4th quarter that cost us games’
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mayfield stats for the full year 2025 including the hald of the season he was injured are identical to Sam Darnold,Josh Allen, Herbert who are QB’s 6’5″. There were only 4 QB’s with better stats in 2025 than Mayfield and a bunch of guys tied for 6th and they were Stafford, Prescott, Maye and Goff. Like so many things, Oneillbuc, you don’t know what you are taliking about. Hope that when Mayfield leaves for the Rams in 2027 you get the QB you want in Shedeur Sanders. Have a hunch that, at least from you, Sanders will never be criticized.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:02 am
Gipper, I believe Sanders threw 7 TD passes in his seven starts last season. Problem is he threw 12 picks in those 7 starts. The only world that he ever starts another game in the NFL is if it’s with the Browns, their stupidity is world renowned.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Like Caden Curry. But he isn’t a 7th rounder.
Bucs have very little cap money, so don’t expect much.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:12 am
Bakers only thrown for 100 tds over the last 4 years,I agree we need a QB ! No offensive lineman ,just someone coming off the edge ! Just when you think Bowles is inept jeeeze!
February 15th, 2026 at 10:18 am
Jason Licht “Future Ring of Honor” member .
Draft guru.
2024 Draft pick – a Center (average at that position)
Passing on – Jared Verse E. Laiatu Latu E. Braden Fiske DT.
2025 Draft pick – receiver – (potential to be great – BUT loaded at re Jihaad Campbell LB. James Pearce E.
I thought that the very problematic and playoff hurting DEFENSE was the need – NOT Center and an Another Receiver.
Joe, am I wrong?
February 15th, 2026 at 10:20 am
Jason Licht “Future Ring of Honor” member .
Draft guru.
2024 Draft pick – a Center (average at that position)
Passing on – Jared Verse E. Laiatu Latu E. Braden Fiske DT.
2025 Draft pick – receiver – (potential to be great – BUT loaded at receiver).
Passing on Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger LB, Jihaad Campbell LB. James Pearce JR E.
I thought that the very problematic and playoff hurting DEFENSE was the need – NOT Center and an Another Receiver.
Joe, am I wrong?
February 15th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Anybody citing The Rooney rule as a factor in anything is an utter fool. The Glazers record speaks for itself there.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:35 am
We have so many needs.
I want to trade back if possible.
Unless some freakish OLB is available.
3-4 DE like Gholston. A wrecking ball at DE.
A 3-4 OLB like Yaya. À freak of nature. A 6-5 animal.
2 Middle Linebackers.
À huge NT/DT to rotate with Vea.
A TE who can block and catch.
Otton is Brate 2.0. We need an old school TE. Big and nasty.
And of course some guards. As every year.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:35 am
As others have said, I’d love us to get Jacob Rodriguez. Stuff I’ve read says he’s moved from the 3rd round to the second since the Senior Bowl. Combine him with a good FA ILB and we’re ok. I’d also be happy if we could get Howell at 15 to pair up with Diaby. (they can’t ALL be busts)
February 15th, 2026 at 10:36 am
The Daily Coroner – things aren’t looking real good for James Pearce. Surely he’ll be suspended by the NFL and if he doesn’t serve time, there’s definitely something wrong with our judicial system when it comes to NFL players.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:46 am
The Daily Coroner …
Licht did not pass on Verse or Latu… the were taken like 11 and 7 slots ahead of the Bucs pick. Every year teams draft busts and good players go later. Studs that get drafted round 2 and 3 were passed on by all 32 teams at some point.
Barton will be just fine, kid was tossed at LT to start the year and had no consistent G play next to him.
Emeka is a stud… Campbell could be as well but he’s surrounded by high end players and a good DC in Fangio. Pearce is going to jail, nice rookie year and now a giant bust. Every team passed on Schwesinger.
The draft is not an exact science, can’t look at Lichts picks in a vacuum. Have to look at them vs other GMs picks. I will say this until I am blue in the face! Bucs won 10 games in 2024 with 75% of the team drafted by Licht. We were trending up! Unfortunately we lost our real good coach and were stuck with the loser who immediately got worse results.
February 15th, 2026 at 10:58 am
KentonSmith,
re: Sanders………….Everything you said about Sanders is true. Don’t disagree that he is not an NFL QB ;nor, will he ever be one. Just know Oneillbuc is anyone except the guy who has the second most TD passes in the NFL for the last 3 years(all played with Tampa).
February 15th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Teach how you getting all that? Few days ago you were on the Crosby train!
February 15th, 2026 at 11:05 am
If LICKT hadn’t given Chris Godwin $44-MILLION FULLY-Guaranteed (3yrs/$66M), & Reddick about another $13-MIL, then they would’ve had PLENTY, more than enough $$$$ to have spent on their Defense. It’s just ANOTHER total fail on the part of JL. And, his last SEVERAL Drafts (“processes” Lmao) have been every single bit as BADDDD as anyone else’s. It has nothing to do with “development.” Just OPEN your eyes. It’s a lot more to do with a lack of TALENT than it does with anything else. They have NO DAWGS. ZERO Freaks. NOTHING.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:06 am
I’m not confident at all, considering they liked the guys they had last season. Rinse and repeat.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:11 am
If Bowles’ defnse is so complex that it takes 2-3 years to master it, then that is the problem. How can you draft or sign as a FA players new to the system and expect great results?
February 15th, 2026 at 11:21 am
I guess AI missed on its search. Lo siento.
The point was drafting for need or best available. Why take a Center when there clearly were good E and LB lurking?
Emeka will be a stud. NFL RDPOY Carson Schwesinger was available. His play was there if you just bothered to look at his college play.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Need stars not starters. JL stocked the cupboards with guys who can start but aren’t necessarily the stars this team needs. During the draft, I want to see JL go get their guys. This includes trading down if needed to acquire more picks to move around in the draft. We dont need a 7th or even a 6th rounder this year those type of players are on the roster already. Use them to move around in the mid rounds. From this draft, Im thinking 2 edge, 1 LB, 1 DT and maybe one Oline or CB. Front 7 should be the focus.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:35 am
Let’s see here… You are responsible for 60% of the “Lost Decade.” You haven’t drafted a PRO-BOWLER in the last FIVE Drafts (fixing to be SIX)… Do you even know just HOW HARD that is to do nowadays!? Just take a LOOK at these “Pro-Bowl” Rosters over the past 5-6 years!!!! You lose COEN, then ‘double-down’ on BOWLES. You completely mismanage the salary cap and overall roster construction. HORRIBLE Drafts. Absolutely, NOTHING in Free Agency. THE ‘weakest’ Division in all of FOOTBALL, at least 4-YEARS running. All the ‘non-moves’ that we should’ve at least TRIED, and been in the running for. The only TRADE I can remember I was the Carlton Davis trade. Which we really lucked-out there, by STEALING JMac. Otherwise, it would’ve turned-out being a DISASTER, too. I mean, we didn’t KNOW it would be JMac at the time of the deal (just that it was the 94th-pick, or whatever it was). It’s just been PATHETIC. Just a total disaster. And, we’re starting to really pay for it NOW. And, I don’t even remember the real reason or purpose for why I’m writing this now!? So, whatever that was I’m even leaving it OUT!? There is just way too much to list. From the ownership on down, they don’t know what the hell they’re doing. I suppose what’s next is hiring JL some “special help” like they have in the past with Bowles. While, NEVER addressing the REAL issues/problems with having such WEAK Leadership AND Culture. It’s a Train-wreck. Dumpster-fire. Sinking-ship. Clown-show. ALL OF IT. And, I still can’t remember the main thing I was going to say! It’s really THAT BAD. Just LOOK at the entire NFC (stacked rosters with elite head coaches and front offices)… Where do YOU THINK the Bucs are currently, in the pecking order. Do YOU REALLY think Baker, Bucky, EE, & JMac are leading us to the “promise land?” Lmao. If so, then I probably have a few things I’d like to sell ya Hahahah LoL.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:39 am
Don’t think so at all. Just one. Corner, which could turn into two if the Bucs let Jame Dean walk away.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:41 am
@ BucsfaninOregon Says: “If Bowles’ defnse is so complex that it takes 2-3 years to master it, then that is the problem. How can you draft or sign as a FA players new to the system and expect great results?”
That is soooo true, and has been my exact thoughts. But, the thing is MOST of those guys have been here for at least 2-3 years now, and they appear to be REGRESSING. So, I’m starting to believe that that is just more of the same BS narrative they’re continuing to sell us. Just more gaslighting. It’s all “smoke & mirrors,” folks. Stockholm Syndrome for MANY. I’m not buying ANY of it anymore, until I SEE-IT.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:48 am
Based on the results in the post Brady era in Tampa, the process would be the better thing to focus on.
Unfortunately, the man engineering that process hasn’t produced a pro bowl player since 2020.
Just gotta GM it better. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
February 15th, 2026 at 11:51 am
@ Ben – I said the same exact thing for the LAST Draft. And, he stood pat for literally EVERY PICK. Then, come-out post draft saying, that we got EVERYONE we wanted. BULLSPIT. Just watching JL and Bowles in last year’s war room gave me a weird feeling. I think it was the exact time, that I realized 💯 without a shadow of DOUBT, that neither one of them actually, knew WTF they were doing. Was just soooo say over their heads and totally CLUELESS. Completely outclassed in EVERY possible way. It’s OVER. I wish I could describe the ‘feeling’ I had that day, watching THEM. I want it to go away!
February 15th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Can you imagine if the Bucs had a Nick Saban type HC… WINNING!
Poor IBS isn’t even in the same ballpark as Saban.. Its So sad…
February 15th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
This is a deep draft for defensive. I agree if Love (RB but generational talent) Baine or Styles are not there at 15 then we trade down. Here are a few guys I like that can be had in the late 1st or early 2nd: CJ Allen and Jacob Rodriguez (ILBs), Mesador, Zion Young, Cassius Howell and TJ Parker (OLBs), Kayden McDonald and Caleb Banks (DT).
February 15th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Make up your mind MelvinJr.
Is Licht bad at drafting or is the talent regressing under Bowles? You have said both in this thread. I suppose it could be both but I say for the 20th time… we had a good coach in Coen and a roster with 75% Licht draft picks win 10 games and go to the playoffs. Highest rate in the league.
Howie Roseman and Brett Veach are touted as the best GMs in football. Eagles have arguably the most talent in the league on their roster and have been a mess. OC is a major problem for them. Chiefs missed the playoffs.
I see a lot of talent on the Bucs roster. It’s weighed down by a borderline useless HC and DC. All the best teams this season had 1 or more of these things… a top tier HC/DC or OC that can scheme and motivate, warriors in the trenches, or a top 5 QB. Bucs had nothing at the coaching spot and very little along the DL, the great OL Licht BUILT was hurt, and Baker isn’t top 5. He played top 5 for the first 8 games and carried all the dead weight.
February 15th, 2026 at 12:13 pm
The old expression goes- Be BRAVE OR GO HOME. THE Glazers are not of the NO RISK IT NO BISCUIT Arians philosophy. The only time they risked it was when they got the Goat Tom Brady.
We may be seeing another long drought of no Super Bowls. It’s going to fall on Jason Licht to find a legit edge rushers. He has to swing for the fences in the draft. Veteran edge rushers require too much money and draft capital.
Going the draft route takes time and patience, a tall task in an instant world mentality.
February 15th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
Saskbucs, Baker is top 5. He may be top 1. He didn’t play top 5 the first 8 games. He played like the best QB in the league the first 8 games. The QB who has hung the best numbers of any QB in the league the last 3 years. Imagine if he had a team that hung numbers like he did. Instead of a defense that ranked dead last in the league red zone numbers. And an offense that had lineman who wouldn’t start in the Canadian league. Not to mention special teams. Tampa proved they could win with Tom Brady and his hand picked key players. There’s only 1 Tom Brady. And his numbers his first 8 years in the league were no better than Mayfield’s. Lose Mayfield and see where Tampa goes. Baker Mayfield has a bit of stability with a head coach for the first time in his career. His story is just beginning in this league. He will be a first ballot hall of famer when he is done. He’s that good even though his doubters had the jollies when our football team was so beat up this season. Hope everyone got their fancies tickled. Because with a healthy line and receivers and even an average defense and special teams Mayfield will beat some a$$ and some people will learn, again, why he is a QB savant the likes of which this league has seldom seen.
February 15th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Yes sir Key!
February 15th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Stats are mostly worthless at the QB position. The schedule, and normal flow of a game dictate a bunch of empty stats. It’s all about WINS and what you do in BIG-games against TOP competition. It’s about being a LEADER and an ADULT. It’s about being ‘selfless’ and willing to do what it takes TO WIN. It’s about the “eye-test.” NO ONE (but only a biased few) just looks at STATS alone, when evaluating Quarterbacks. Other than, number of Super Bowls, & Wins/Losses. That comes FIRST, then you might discuss (yardage/td’s/int’s/comp.%/etc.) stats LAST, & only when comparing ELITE ‘winning’ QB’s. Baker will NEVER be in those types of debates or conversations to begin with, as HE will never be in consideration for the NFL HOF, or ever receive a vote.
It’s about what YOU DO to ‘uplift’ everyone else, and how well you perform in ‘high-leverage’ BIG-game situations. Do you WIN THEM a lot more times, than you don’t. It’s about consistency. Dependability. Someone you can count on to be steady and rise up. NOT erratic and immature. An ADULT. A ‘selfless’ LEADER. Focused. SMART. Desperate to WIN. It’s VERY WEIRD why any “ADULT” would be soooo emotionally attached to ANY ‘professional’ athlete… Especially, one who has been soooo average at best. Even more so, one with such an immature, childish mentality, & with ZERO self-awareness. It makes NO SENSE, whatsoever.
I mean, my cousin was an Allen Iverson fanatic. Even had corn-rolls, just like him (and he was ‘white’ lol). But, he was also like, 9. By the time he was prob 11-12 years old, he was long over-it. It really makes me wonder how many of these “Baker Bois” are either family, or just women!? Cause, it is just soooo odd. I mean, he can do NO WRONG in their eyes! No matter WHAT. They are FULLY invested at all costs. They are ALL-IN. Ride or DIE. To the point of absolute ABSURDITY, by even comparing HIM to Brady, Manning, Mahomes, Josh Allen, Brees, etc. It’s Just VERY Strange. For an “ADULT.”
5-years & $300-MIL+ “Noooo Problem, at ALL… DO-IT NOW, JL. Please, Sign-ME Up/Whatever-It TAKES” LoL. I cannot even begin to understand it. There are several of them on here, who will ONLY comment when it’s about HIM. Or, they will just randomly ‘make-it’ about HIM, even when it’s NOT. I guess, they literally scan EVERY article, while lying ‘in-wait’ for someone (ANYONE) to make even the ‘slightest’ comment towards Baker’s direction, that could be considered ‘negative’ in THEIR eyes or minds. Then, they start SHOUTING “TRASK-LOVER” (&/or) “GATORS FAN,” as if they have some type of Tourette’s, or something. It’s ALL Just Soooo VERY WEIRD.
February 15th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
“His story is just beginning in this league. He will be a first ballot hall of famer when he is done.”
See, just LOOK at the absurdity. It’s my point exactly. It’s just DELUSIONAL talk. I mean, you cannot take anything else seriously, this person says. Cause, if they’ll SAY THIS… They will literally say ANY-FREAKING-THING. It’s real weird stuff. At 31 years-old, HIS career is JUST STARTING NOW, going into his 9TH SEASON. And, NOT only a HOF’er, but a “FIRST-BALLOT” HOF’er. Yah, ohhhkaaayy… Whatever, Man. Just LUDICROUS.
February 15th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
@ Saskbucs – it is 💯 on BOTH. 💯
February 15th, 2026 at 2:17 pm
Wow, quite the rant from MelvinJunior!
A little hyperbolic there with a couple statements such as “the entire NFC (stacked rosters with elite head coaches and front offices)”. It’s amazing we have even won a single game the last five years considering every single team in the conference is stacked with better players and coaches than the Bucs – LOL.
Another favorite – “You completely mismanage the salary cap”. Well, the Bucs DID buy a Superbowl on a credit card that had to be paid for later. They had $70 million in dead cap money owed in 2023 and were $55 million over the cap heading into that season. I guess he’s saying we never should have picked up Brady, Brown, Gronk, etc. and would have traded the Superbowl for more cap room. The Bucs are just now getting out of that hole with only around $253,000 in dead cap money next year. Still not a ton of cap room, but they could get up to over $70 million below the cap with some offseason restructuring (watch out for that future credit card bill, though).
Still, I thought it would be fun to show who the Bucs could have drafted in the years since they last drafted a pro bowler (two were actually drafted in 2020 – Wirfs and Winfield). All of these players who made at least one pro bowl team were available after the Bucs made their first pick in each of the years:
2021 – #37 (C) Landon Dickerson, #52 (LB) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, #63 (C) Creed Humphrey, #89 (WR) Nico Collins, #98 (G) Quinn Meinerz, #99 (CB) Nahshon Wright, #112 (WR) Amon-Ra St. Brown, (C) #114 Drew Dalman, (S) #180 Talanoa Hufanga, (G) #226 Trey Smith, (WR/ST) #249 Ben Skowronek
2022 – #51 (C) Cam Jurgens, #52 (WR) George Pickens, #55 (TE) Trey McBride, #63 (RB) James Cook, #64 (OLB) Nik Bonitto, #129 (TE) Jake Ferguson, #130 (P) Jordan Stout, #153 (CB) Riq Woolen, #164 (RB) Kyren Williams, #167 (CB) DaRon Bland, #262 (QB) Brock Purdy, (K) UDFA Brandon Aubrey, (K) UDFA Cameron Dicker, (S) UDFA Brenden Schooler, (WR) UDFA Rashid Shaheed
2023 – #20 (WR) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, #22 (WR) Zay Flowers, #25 (TE) Dalton Kincaid, #34 (TE) Sam LaPorta, #45 (S) Brian Branch, #54 (OLB) Tuli Tuipulotu, #63 (WR) Marvin Mims, #77 (DE) Byron Young, #84 (RB) De’von Achane, #177 (WR) Puka Nacua
2024 – #40 (CB) Cooper DeJean, #42 (CB) Kamari Lassiter, #78 (S) Calen Bullock
2025 – #103 (WR-ST) Chimere Dike, #144 (QB) Shedeur Sanders
(Okay, you can throw out 2025)
February 15th, 2026 at 3:25 pm
I wouldn’t call it a “mini rebuild”…I would just say it’s the second draft that should be used to address the defense. That and bring in at least one Edge rushers and ILB veteran.
Okay…mini-rebuild, lol.
February 15th, 2026 at 3:33 pm
Melvin, how do you explain a 10 win playoff team with 75% Licht drafted players?
Then Coen goes to Jax, more talent than the Bucs? Front 7, sure I’ll give them that, everywhere else… not imo, and they win 12 games.
Then we add Reddick who most were hopeful about regaining his sack form, another good WR, 2 CBs, a contributor at DE in Roberts in the draft and without Coen go backwards.
Adding all that up, I seriously don’t understand how this disappointment isn’t laid 90% at the feet of Bowles and 10% at the feet of offensive injuries.
Kenton, I like Baker and want him extended (if for no other reason than there is not a better option short of having a top 3 pick next season). He did play like the best QB in the league early and I would give him top 12ish status if he’s healthy. Again the point here is, without the offense being top 5 in the league, Bucs are doomed! Bowles is that bad.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
The dumbest thing I’ve read from SB-LV Evans n Godwin past there prime haha what a 🤡 🤡🤡🤡. This dude either has no clue what production is or doesn’t even know football. 1st Godwin was hurt and tried to play that was obvious to even the most dumbest people and when he got healthy he did what he always does make plays. Evans got hurt but still showed he’s elite and hasn’t lost a step. Offense as a whole was trash. First half of the season they played great after they look liked the clowns thst some of you are. Lol
February 15th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Recently read a statement on PFF. Over the first 8 games lat years Bucs had 23 sacks. Over the next 9 games they had 12. Maybe it wasn’t all Baker’s fault?
February 15th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Jason Licht = .449% = loser
He was a loser before Brady and shockingly? STILL A LOSER
JASON LICHT IS A LOSING POS
He has no answers
February 15th, 2026 at 4:13 pm
Ollineman ..parham raiders McGovern bills, zietler from titans ,clowney edge…save a ton of money and those precious pics this team isn’t a contender. Rebuild. every team goes thru it
February 15th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
This GM has missed on how many entrie drafts ?
February 15th, 2026 at 7:44 pm
Offense
RB – Sign Algeiers
QB – sign a free agent back up
TE – resign Cade
WR – let Mike Walk unless fair price
That’s all we need
All 7 draft picks – defense
Free Agents – defense
Done – stay healthy, 10/11 wins.
February 15th, 2026 at 8:45 pm
Who’s blockn bigboy? You need to keep the qb upright
February 15th, 2026 at 9:25 pm
“This GM has missed on how many entire drafts ?”
Licht has only missed on two ENTIRE drafts since he became the GM in 2014. He didn’t hit on anyone in the 2016 draft and really nobody in the 2021 draft when they drafted last after winning the Superbowl and the entire team returned (some might say getting the entire starting offense and defense to return was an amazing feat, in itself).
The 2017 draft wasn’t stellar, either, but at least the Bucs got Chris Godwin out of it in the third round.
Other than that, Licht has hit on at least half his picks and even grabbed some UDFAs that have made decent contributions to the team.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:29 pm
“let Mike Walk unless fair price”
The Bucs record when Mike Evans has not played is abysmal – 3-9. He may be a bit older but he is still head and shoulders above any other receiver on the team and affects the way every defense has to play the Bucs.
When Mike is on the field, the entire offense opens up.
I’m not saying sign him to something crazy but $18 million or less is a bargain for him in today’s NFL.
February 15th, 2026 at 9:47 pm
@Steve V. Guess you didn’t read my comment that said “ stay healthy” . The OL is good when healthy. Reading comprehension not your strong suit…
February 15th, 2026 at 9:48 pm
Melvin Jr > Rod Munch in the race for the title of Village Idiot