Jason Licht Knows The Challenge
February 2nd, 2026
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
A year from now, the Buccaneers could be looking at a rebuild rather than a reload.
This franchise appears to be at a tipping point as Todd Bowles prepares for his fifth season on the sidelines since replacing Bruce Arians. The first three of those years ended with a division title, but 2025 concluded with a disastrous collapse following the bye week.
With a 35-33 record behind him, Bowles is clearly under scrutiny, But save a little room under the heat lamp for Jason Licht and his cabinet. Licht delivered a Super Bowl with shrewd drafting and key free-agent signings, but this roster was exposed last fall.
The next few months are critical if Tampa Bay wants to avoid falling behind in a division that shows tangible signs of improvement.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht.
Carolina is on the rise under Dave Canales and the Saints may have found their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough, who ranked ahead of Baker Mayfield in completion percentage and passer rating. The Falcons enjoyed a banner defensive draft and replaced Raheem Morris with two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
Licht and his braintrust face quite a challenge in the offseason.
Assistant GMs Mike Greenberg and Rob McCartney, VP of Player Personnel Mike Biehl, Director of Player Personnel Shane Scanell and Director of College Scouting Tony Hardie must coordinate with Licht to fill the holes that emerged last fall. The Bucs have seven draft picks, including the No. 15 selection in the first round. That’s not enough ammunition to fix what went wrong, so Licht should be aggressive in free agency.
The strengths of this team are obvious.
The offensive line, when healthy, is an impressive unit and Licht deserves credit for drafting four of those starters. He also signed guard Ben Bredeson as a free agent in 2024 and Bredeson is now a versatile blocker who looked very comfortable at center when Graham Barton shifted to left tackle early in the season because Tristan Wirfs was sidelined.
The receiving corps is talented and deep, especially if Chris Godwin returns to form. Godwin averaged seven catches and 82 yards through seven games in 2024 before suffering a dislocated ankle that limited his production last fall.
Licht needs to find another running back and a tight end who can get down the field and stretch opposing defenses. And don’t forget about landing a credible backup quarterback.
Adding defensive talent is the obvious priority and this secondary would look a lot better if quarterbacks were hurried and harassed. That didn’t happen nearly enough in 2025 as teams consistently handled Bowles’ blitzing schemes.
This front seven on defense doesn’t have enough talent to compete at the highest level. The only stalwart at this point is Vita Vea, who turns 31 this week. Calijah Kancey can’t stay on the field and Lavonte David is no longer a sideline-to-sideline defender.
There’s not enough there.
Chris Braswell is still looking to shock the world while David Walker is still looking for his first NFL tackle. SirVocea Dennis often appeared lost in coverage. Logan Hall and Anthony Nelson are complementary pieces, but this embattled defense needs star power.
Maxx Crosby?
If a Maxx Crosby becomes available, Licht shouldn’t think twice about parting with a premium draft pick. We’ve seen how Tampa Bay’s drafted edge rushers have failed at the pro level. Blame Bowles all you want for the lack of production but do you have any confidence Haason Reddick is going to flourish for another team in 2026?
If the Bucs finish with a losing record again, Bowles won’t be back. He knows it. But at that point, Licht might not survive a third coaching dismissal under his watch. The Glazers kept Licht at the helm of football operations after Lovie Smith and Dirk Koetter were fired.
If Bowles goes, Licht could also be moving on.
Bowles has to coach better to save his job. Licht’s not naive. He knows the challenge he and his inner circle are facing in the next three months.
He’ll be looking for the next Shaq Barrett, an underutilized talent who could prosper at One Buc Place. He’ll be looking for the next Carson Schwesinger, a second-round linebacker who will likely be named Defensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday.
The Senior Bowl is over. Licht’s work has just begun.
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February 2nd, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Yet I have little faith in JL. Hope I’m proved wrong. This off-season should be about 90% focused on the defense.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:38 pm
JTHV Says:
Jason Licht isn’t going anywhere. The Glazers love that guy and rightfully so. JL will retire a Buc.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:38 pm
Litch should know where they are at, He had a big part in putting them there.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:44 pm
Jason has known about the non-existent pass rush for a few years now and we are still waiting for that challenge to be met how long are fans meant to wait on that.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:47 pm
Liche was going to be on the hit seat until BA and Brady arrived. Now that their are gone he is back on it. He is a great OL scout.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:48 pm
Can Max Crosby cover? Bad talent, bad coaching equals total house cleaning next season. Should’ve happened already.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Jason might know the challenge but the question is, what’s the plan?
Bowles has shown for the past 4 seasons hes the exact same coach. No growth, when the pressures on he coaches not to lose. So if Licht gives up a premium draft pick for Crosby, how’s that really going to help this season? The Browns had the single season sack leader and they won how many games? 4?
Why bring Crosby in to have him in coverage? How will Bowles even use him to the best of his abilities and not to fit some scheme?
I cant tell if Bowles is suggesting to Licht which players to get or vice versa, or maybe it’s 50/50, I don’t know. But the personnel decisions have been bad, especially at backup QB.
We’ll see how serious they are come FA. I suspect they’ll get mid to lower tier players to save money and prepare for the inevitable roster reset in 2027.
February 2nd, 2026 at 3:51 pm
Lets see what Licht does this season as far as player acquisitions via free agency and/or draft, regardless of whether Bowles fails to meet expectations, did Licht provide him the tools necessary to succeed? There’s a belief we have the talent, we just lack the coaches to harness said talent, I say meh, other Mike Evans, I don’t know who are super stars are. Both Winfield and Wirfs got max deals and they aren’t exactly jumping off the stat sheet. This is Licht’s roster, and imo its mediocre.
Let’s peel this back just a little. In alternate universe, we don’t land Brady and Arians has to fly with another QB, this team remains .500 for the remainder of Arians tenure, which would’ve ended at the end of 2021 season with no Super Bowl, and most likely we’re blowing this whole thing up prior to 2022 season. And without the SB, who knows where some of our high profiled veterans end up doing. Might not have stayed in Tampa. Yes, credit Licht for having the roster that attracted Brady to TB. But Brady by himself doesn’t win us a SB…Brady then recruited Gronk, AB, Fournette. None of these dudes come to Tampa without Brady.
This past season, I think Licht pulls the trigger on a DE and/or veteran guard before the trade deadline and maybe we win just 1 more game to take the south. No, we don’t win the SB, but a trade might have gotten us at least 1 more win, and as usual, Licht does nothing, this is a trend. Point is, imo yes, Licht is overrated and has been riding the success of the Brady acquisition, completely ignoring the fumbles he’s made both pre and post Brady. It’s going on year 4 since Tom has been gone, and the product isn’t any better. If Bowles goes, I’m ready to see someone else in here as GM. Being able to bring in your own and/or have a say in the new GM is a nice incentive for the potential new HC.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:04 pm
Whoever was responsible for bringing in Bilgewater as the backup QB should get run out of OBP immediately.
And I don’t care if it was Bowles, Licht, or both. That was an inexcusable epic failure. It played a major role in the collapse.
If we had a decent backup then Mayfield could have been rested and or benched when needed. Good teams have more than an empty jersey as the QB2.
My guess is we’ll see the same inept decisions and have a full reset in 2027.
Either that or the Glazers will again rely on a compliant media only to happy to paper over the reality. Bowles and Licht are frauds. Brady saved them all.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:07 pm
This defense is NOT one Maxx Crosby away from being good. A complete overhaul in coaching and personnel is needed. Until that happens, they’ll be somewhere around .500, maybe worse.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:10 pm
It’s, thanks for telling and speaking truth
Joe would be good to take notes and learn from you…
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:11 pm
@lynchmob – 100% agree – it was willful negligence to have teddy as a backup. Jason licht is a .449% loser over 12 years even with Brady. he just plain sucks without Brady. facts are facts.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:12 pm
I have been a big fan of Jason Licht, but him supporting the return of Bowles the last two years has caused me to lose confidence in him.
With the Bucs talent and QB they could have pursued a top-notch head coach this year. A smart GM would have promoted Coen last year.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:17 pm
I ve been critical about his draft selection s over the past 4 or 5 seasons. Some of worked
Out well. But a good portion have been busts. Like someone mentioned in this post
Both wirfs and Winfield got max pay days and havent looked great. Barton took a step back
This year. The defense as a whole has glaring issues. Linebacking group and the entire
Secondary are just plain bad.
So what do we have going into 2026. Mayfield who may have been injured most this year
But definitely took a step back. The oline depth chart needs serious help. Is mk13 coming
Back? Who’s #2 running back? Will chancey ever play? Can egbuka make a splash like
He did the 1st 6 games of last season? It could definitely be a rebuild this next year if
Some serious moves arent made
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:18 pm
Ira, thanks for telling and speaking truth
Joe would be good to take notes and learn from you…
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:24 pm
“A year from now, the Buccaneers could be looking at a rebuild rather than a reload.“
I’d say we’re already there. At minimum, we desperately need:
2 ILBs
2 OLBs
1 DT
1 CB
1 TE
1 OG
1 RB
1 X WR (if Mike leaves)
After JL picks up 1 bargain bin edge rusher and drafts 4 special teams guys, he’ll tell the fans (like he does every year), we can’t fix every hole in 1 draft.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:26 pm
I disagree with the notion about Crosby. Look bottom line we need a star at edge. He aint drafting one. Go buy it or trade up for bain. Or take Mesodor and trade up for Jacob Rodriguez in the second. Im telling u. Jason’s got to stop valuing these picks bc he frankly isnt great at it
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:46 pm
I’ve been a big supporter of JL and what he’s been able to do. He brought us a Superbowl by bringing in BA, Brady, Gronk, Brown, Lenny, JPP and has drafted a great oline and good depth at WR. Then after selling out for that Superbowl and being in a bad place with the cap, he brought in Baker and has kept the Bucs highly competitive without a complete rebuild.
But I’m beginning to wonder how much control he has over the HC hiring/firing. I think he’s either too loyal to Bowels or the Glazers won’t let him fire him.
Either way the Bucs (either the Glazers or JL) dropped the ball letting Coen go to Jacksonville.
February 2nd, 2026 at 4:55 pm
I am pretty sure that Licht’s job was in jeopardy until Bruce Arians and Tom Brady came to town. That bought him time, but it seems that we’re starting to see a regression to the mean. I hope not, but this will be big off season for him as much as it is for Bowles.
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:11 pm
This draft class isn’t generational, but depending on how Licht and the scouts prioritize positional value and individual talents, we can go about the draft in alot of different ways and come away with talent that can help give us a collective boost.
Like the article says, work on that front is going to ramp up a bunch in the coming weeks with the new league year right around the corner. I’m most interested to see how, and what we do to manipulate the cap in terms of making more money available. Should be an interesting offseason, to say the least
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:12 pm
Orlando, re: regression to the mean is exactly right. That’s why this season is so important, perhaps more so for Jason than for Todd. Excepting The Brady years, he needs to change his stance on both drafting and free agency, both preseason and in-season.
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:26 pm
Who is this IRA PERSON?
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:30 pm
You can wish all you want for Crosby but the Bucs don’t have the ammunition to outbid Dallas with their 3 first round picks to get him IF Vegas is willing to part with him.
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Logan Hall is a free agent – If the Bucs re-sign him on a 3 year deal for $28-30 million, then you know they’re not serious about fixing the problem.
February 2nd, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Sigh…
I used to come to Joe Buc fan on the usual. It’s still the number one Bucs blog in my book. Yet, I don’t see the point of “reading daily” at this time and it’s NOT the Joe’s fault! It’s the Glazers.
The Glazers Have and Continue to Betray us the fans.
Apparently there are agreements around the league ($). Perhaps some Very indepth research on the owners and ownership groups and their “relationships” should be looked at just a bit more intensely or deeply. It’s the ONLY THING that makes the most sense. Not Only that BUT there is someone or two of the Glazers that hate this team. Their Own team. The One we Love… is not necessarily a “truth” for all that have “THE CALL”.
Ask yourself this. How could they not notice the performance of this guy ( Bozo Bowles) and his defense for 4 years straight or his Losing performances for not one but TWO TEAMS…!? Or how about this? How about those jets and what this guy Bowles did while he was there? Folks…. I’m sorry but the “FACTS” DIDN’T ESCAPE THE GLAZERS. THEY’RE NOT THAT STUPID ! How can Any of us or anybody else explain off extending this guy Bowles with a MASSIVELY Failing record after 4 years here straight of failing? This is year 5. “Nothing has changed”.
Who’s fault is that? We ALL KNOW the answer. The Glazers. And I want them to suffer right along with us all. How about you?
And look at what they’re doing to business like JBF. The Glazers are doing a fantastic job of hurting Any and All businesses connected to this team. Sad..
I’ll keep reading JBF because I’ve always enjoyed them for the most part and hopefully the readership helps to keep it’s doors open. To Bad the Glazers couldn’t care less about business like JBF…
I’ll watch as long as it’s “For Free”
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 pm
I’m switching to full draft mode for now. $100 says I could do just as good a job as Licht in drafting a DE, K, P, or a QB.
In my opinion we have no hope on the defensive side of the ball.
Bowles is completely failed as a DC and no player or players can fix that dreck.
In that case we better get as good on the offense as possible.
Outscore the bumbling’s of Turtle Todd. 40+ per game is the only chance we have.
Kenyon Sediq at TE from Oregon would be my first round pick if he was still available.
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:24 pm
Obvious, you are correct. The Glazers don’t give a rat’s hind end about the fans. They mock us and laugh at us for being so easy to take advantage of. They know they can leverage our passion for football against us and we will continue to patronize them even though they are ungrateful and undeserving.
Just for fun, try this. Go to your favorite AI chat site and ask “is Manchester United in financial trouble?” Then follow that with “what is the Glazer family doing about it?”
Not only do the Glazers represent NFL ownership at its worst, they are the most hated owner of a professional futball franchise.
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:31 pm
Yeah, maybe Crosby can cover receivers better than all the other d-linemen! Lol
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:42 pm
How do you expect a coach with a 35 and 33 record with your team to take you to the Super Bowl ? And that was in a terrible division!
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:52 pm
Better come out firing Licht. You’ve got nothing to lose and it’s not your $. Let it rip and spend it all on FA D lineman and backers. Let’s see what you can do. No more salary cap issues. Let’s go!
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:55 pm
If I were a GM, I would use every pick 5-7 to move up in the earlier rounds or use as trade bait.
As Carl Weathers famously said “there is no tomorrow!”
February 2nd, 2026 at 7:26 pm
I have very little confidence in Jason Licht drafting defense especially when he brings in players to fit Todd’s defensive system. Todd is not my favorite head coach, in fact I rank him near the bottom of NFL head coaches. His defense regresses, players are confused and play out of position consistently. Why? who knows, actually Todd knows. Which is problematic. He is stubborn, energy sapping and I can’t think of a defensive player who has gotten better with his coaching. Todd spends more time on developing excuses than coaching his players. Can’t wait for the next major
overhaul of the Bucs including Jason and Todd.
February 2nd, 2026 at 7:35 pm
What FA edge rusher would want to come here, knowing that they won’t get to be edge rushers that often?
February 2nd, 2026 at 7:56 pm
With the end of the season coming apart at the seams a la Ira’s form fitting jean shorts…I found some enjoyment in watching The Raise The Flags series on Amazon Prime. Lots of good memories…and reminders. The Bucs gave up a couple of premium picks for Keyshawn…which was overall a good trade. They gave up a King’s Ransom for Gruden yet the Glazers acted like it was a heist on their part. Maybe…it did bring a SB to town. Having said all that…adding Mad Maxx would be worth the big swing. Opposite YaYa…he could do what Simeon did when they signed him in free agency. Call Spytek and tell him everybody wins as the Raiders are rebuilding and could use the picks.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:01 pm
Whether Todd Bowles keeps his HC job or not has no bearing on Jason Licht keeping or losing his Head office position. He was learning on the job early in his career but has improved to be among the top GM’s in the NFL.
Finding a good pass rusher has proven to be a tall task for Jason Licht. That’s pretty much ture for for every NFteam. You got to keep swinging for.the fences.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:12 pm
You idiots do realize that much of the plan in coverage is dependent on their inability to rush the passer. If Diaby or Reddick were actually putting consistent pressure on a consistent basis Bowles wouldn’t need to blitz as much. Just go back and look at the 2021 or even the 2022 team. With Suh and Vea in the middle, Bowles got good pressure from JPP and Barrett. Good pressure also sinplifies the f defensive coverage when they do blitz. Knowing your going to get pressure from your Saline, the OLB can drop into a flat and just play anyone who come into the area, while you can man up, play press zone even double the WR’s.
The key is getting that pressure from 4, the NT, 2 DT’s and one of the OLB’s. If you go to nickel, you take out one of the DT and move an OLB inside, which is what JPP would often do. This creates a speed mismatch with the guard or center.
As Joe has repeatedly stated, it’s all about pressure to sacks.
One of the problems with Bowles blitz scheme is the ILB’s and safety’s aren’t big enough to power rush, so if they get picked up they are ineffective. It’s why when Suh and Vea would push up the middle, or even Vea played end and JPP played inside the Bucs had so much success.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:12 pm
First off, how often did JPP have to cover the pass when he was here the first time? Did he get to rush the QB?
How about Shaq? Is anyone going to tell me he got 19 sacks AND covered the pass?
Get real, people. If Bowels has a good pass rusher, he’ll use him properly.
Secondly, people ignore the fact that Jason Licht came in as a rookie, and because of that, it was several years before the Glazers trusted him to make key decisions..linstead, they made him a yes man to the head coaches.
When they finally DID trust him, the first thing he did is go out and get Arians. Now, some of you give Arians and Brady all the credit…but it was Jason Licht’s job to successfully recruit them. So yes, he gets the credit.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Oops , sorry for the typos, I didn’t get to edit before I sent it, and I apologize for the idiot comment, it’s just frustrating to hear the same old comments over and over without putting the comment into context.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:17 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai
Preach brother!
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:19 pm
And finally, when building a defense, the first thing you do is draft secondary…because it can take several years to develop. Just look at Ronde Barber’s first 5 years. It took the best CB we’ve ever had several years to even become serviceable.
So Jason Licht addressed the secondary last year.
Front 7 is next!
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:38 pm
Brady gets all the credit lol…period…we don’t win a SB without Brady…prove me wrong….change my mind…LOLOLOL
Low IQ fanbase…Jason Licht is a passenger on the Brady express…loser pre Brady and losers post Brady…the facts are clear. He is NOTHING without Brady.
The facts bear that out. Jason Licht is a by product of Brady not the other way around. Low IQ fans have it backwards. Low IQ losers.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:40 pm
I wish Jason Licht’s family would stop posting on here
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:48 pm
Truly, 2026 should be the start of the Bucs roster rebuild because 2027 will bring massive turnover & force Bucs deep into the rebuild waters. (as several Key players become UFA after 2026 season &/or they hit an age where FO’s generally start dropping vets for cheaper/younger/hungrier players).
But there’s a significant problem in that Licht has hamstrung the future – again – by tying numerous elevated Cap Hits into the 2026 payroll. Which will lead to more can-kicking and dead money deals beyond his tenure should Bowles again be a dumpster fire HC in 2026 & the FO gets canned along side the coaching staff.
Baker has a nearly $52M cap hit in 2026 before being a 2027 UFA.
Wirfs holds a $36.3M cap hit in 2026. Godwin is at $33.7M before the club option for 2027 gives the team an out…Windfield Jr is a $27.5M hit, Goedeke is $22.8M, Vea is $22.2M, McCollum at $15.7M… & Mike Evans still has $13M of void year dead money left on his deal.
Meaning, Licht has $223.25M tied up in those 8 players…& only 7 are still under contract.
That doesn’t leave room fill out the roster & take on Maxx Crosby’s $35.9M 2026 salary in trade – even if LV was open to trade him & Licht was willing to throw the #15pick in the deal…Hell, it doesn’t leave much room to fill the roster out, fix the ILB void & sign draft picks as it is.
Even if Crosby aas on the trade block, the Las Vegas Brady’s would need to take someone like Winfield Jr, Geodeke, Vea or Godwin in the deal to make it even make sense… I doubt LV would want any of them in that deal…Well, maybe Geodeke would move the needle since they need a good RT to protect the assumed #1 pick – IU QB Mendoza…& LV has Kolton Miller locked in at LT until 2029.
But I still can’t see it happening. Not for Crosby.
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:55 pm
He’ll be looking for the next undersized guard from William & Mary
February 2nd, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Trade up and get Keldric Faulk. Dont even think about drafting a 250 lb edge rusher. Bowles can’t help but drop that type of guy into the curl/flat. A 280 lb DE will at least make Bowles think twice about making that foolish call.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:11 pm
Money is not the problem. Extending baker, and turning his year one salary into a signing bonus frees up $. They can restructure wrifs , Godwin, etc… that’s why teams have a cap specialist. Plus, the league just raised the salary cap significantly.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:15 pm
How many HCs did JL hire? BA and DK? At the time, everyone wanted to hire DK to keep the offense the same for JW. BA got us a SB and then left late in the offseason forcing us to choose between BL and TB.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:15 pm
LOL Never heard of Jimmy Haslam? The Johnson and Johnson Bros? The Bidwell clan? Shad Conn? David Tepper? Stephen Ross? There are 12 teams without a Super Bowl title. The Bucs, under the Glazers, have two.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:23 pm
I believe in licht. Only knock on him is his evaluation of edge rushers. He made a lot of mistakes in the beginning but man he really has done a good job the last several years in drafting. He isn’t perfect but he’s dam good.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:38 pm
I will blame Bowles all I want.
I seriously don’t get what Ira and many of you are selling here. A year ago, with basically the same roster, 75% of players on a 10 win playoff team were Licht draft picks.
Yes the front 7 is talent deficient, just as it was in 2024. The secondary was healthier this season and Bowles got less out of them. The offense was hurt and had a 1st time playcaller but they got to 6-2.
Coen left and multiple wins left with him. The roster didn’t get worse from 24 to 25, the coaching did. Bowles got exposed! Wake up Ira, stop carrying Todds luggage.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:43 pm
Absolutely absurd.
Lichts biggest mistake since 2019 is retaining Bowles for this season.
The guy had Funderburk and Hayes in the secondary last year, probably got to pick his rookie CBs, who was lost from the front 7? Dennis was actually healthy all year for a change.
Bowles gets completely exposed by producing the same terrible defensive results with a healthier unit and instead of injuries being the excuse, now it’s a lack of talent and Licht hasn’t done a good enough job.
Is Bowles giving you part of his salary? Ira gonna be putting Todd up for the HoF in a few years after he gets canned and can’t find work. Smh. Embarrassing stuff. I hope you read this Ira.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:44 pm
Last comment didn’t make it?
No swearing or anything just laughing at Ira for carrying Todd’s water again.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:45 pm
2 comments gone…
What gives Joe? Ira feelings might get hurt by someone talking sense?
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:46 pm
Todd took a 75% drafted by Licht team from 10 wins to 8 wins and now the talent isn’t there?
Coaching talent left in Coen and Todd got exposed as the fraud he is. Simple.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:47 pm
Handpicking CBs to replace Funderburk and Hayes and Bowles went backwards.
Team is swirling the bowl cause of garbage that Arians and Ira are spewing. Coaching incompetence sinking the entire ship.
February 2nd, 2026 at 9:56 pm
@ HC Grover Says: “Who is this IRA PERSON?”
The same one as pre Brady! His eyes are fully opened, and he’s been around long enough to know the amount of urgency, and just the ‘reality’ of the situation at hand. There are very few GM’s (if any) in the history of the NFL, who have been allowed to HIRE at least 4 Head Coaches. If you counted Bowles, then I guess the ‘next one’ would technically be HIS FIFTH. You just CAN’T allow-it to happen. Especially, given the current state of the team, roster, division, and NFC as a whole. And, NOT With HIS RECORD (93-104, INCLUDING BRADY, and being responsible for 60% of the “Lost Decade”). It will be time to move-on with all fresh new leadership, beginning at the TOP. If you leave HIM in place, then it will take away from your ‘potential’ pool of head coaches to choose from. Regardless of that, his record and what we can SEE, will speak for itself. It will just be time. Period. End of Story. There’d be nothing else left to say. The Glazers just BETTER decide to move EARLY though, is all I’ve got to say! Move EVERY asset piece they can possibly move for the upcoming “All-Time” LOADED 2027 Draft-Class, and in order to get a jump on the heading coach search. NONE of this dragging your feet, and wasting more time. NONE of this denying and delaying the inevitable, while trying to save Lickt and Bowles JOBS. ENOUGH. Let’s get movin. Time is wasting.
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:01 pm
@ Saskbucs – Everyone already KNOWS who and what Todd is. LICKT is the FRAUD. Those who refuse to see and admit-it, have Stockholm Syndrome. You’ve been LIED TO.
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:12 pm
The Bucs were one of THE LAST options of potential landing spots for Brady. It’s just a FACT. Most thought he was already “washed up” after his last season in New England. San Fran had already said “NO.” Gruden said, “HELL NO.” Miami got CAUGHT colluding. Where else was he going… CHICAGO!? And, I’m not 💯 sure about it being an option. But, you all just keep TELLING YOURSELF that BS. “Oh, Oh, Oh… But, BRADY SAID” Lmao. So, what the do YOU THINK he was going to say… THEY (the Bucs) SUCK LoL. He immediately went to work on that roster, and with a HUGE MONSTER “CHIP” on his shoulders. Tampa Bay was NOWHERE EVEN CLOSE to his “first choice.” So, PLEASE. “Yeah, But JL Built THIS!” Pssstt… Okay. Whatever makes you feel better. He “built” a team that just the season before, completely MISSED-OUT on “The Playoffs,” BADLY.
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:15 pm
Brady immediately went to work on the roster AND with entirely changing THE CULTURE of this franchise.
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:33 pm
We got this…
Styles, Loane, or if both are gone, (trade down a little) NT Kayden Mcdonald….then TE Trigg 2nd
im still working on it….and im working my real job 7 days a week right now, so….
unreal that two guys I pushed for last year are up for DROY….Shwesinger and Emmanwori….i know how, but sometimes they wont listen
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:35 pm
bu qb in sawyer robertson somewhere in the 5th, might have to trade up, or get him in the 4th.
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:49 pm
“ Brady immediately went to work on the roster AND with entirely changing THE CULTURE of this franchise.” MelvinJr says.
1st- Arians played a hand in the culture change but I will concede that Tom did the heavy lifting.
2nd- I don’t know where you guys get this Bucs were last option nonsense. I didn’t realize that Brady drafted Wirfs and Goedeke, or that he signed Jensen and Suh. Didn’t realize Brady traded for JPP or drafted Davis, Dean, Evans, Godwin etc. Brady chose the Bucs because of the team Licht assembled. Anyone with a brain could see the Bucs had a real good roster but were missing a QB. Enter Tom cause he’s not a moron.
You say everyone knows what Todd is. If that’s the case, how did he win 3 division titles? Weak division sure but the rest of the teams didn’t take advantage if Lichts roster sucks. With a .500 HC, that’s some kinda magic.
How do you explain 10 wins and the playoffs with a 80% homegrown Licht roster?
Then he adds Egbuka, Parrish, Roberts and Tez… not to mention BMo. Seems like a pretty solid draft.
Bowles got carried by Canales and Coen for 2 straight years to save his job. Those coaches have proven their worth outside of One Buc the last 2 years. Now Todd goes back to searching for another OC to save him.
I seriously don’t know who you guys think is replacing Licht and Baker next year. I’ll wait for 1 proven viable option for either guy from you Melvin!
February 2nd, 2026 at 10:55 pm
Melvin, the Bucs missed the playoffs in 2019 cause they had a blind QB who threw 30 picks and probably had a dozen fumbles.
These weren’t Baker picks at the opposing 40 or picks that the TE juggled right into a DBs hands. These were pick 6s, picks at our own 5 and 10 yard line. Picks that completely deflated the team.
They also had a genius at DC that year as well, oh wait that’s the HC now who we know can’t win any important games even if the offense scores 24+.
February 2nd, 2026 at 11:09 pm
Licht clearly doesn’t know the challenge otherwise he would have found a new HC.
It might cost him his job and rightfully so. Keeping Todd is his biggest blunder since Aguayo.
February 2nd, 2026 at 11:23 pm
bradsy recruited all-pro level players.
he left. that stopped. weird.
SHouldn’t Jason Licht the architect be able to continue the same level of recruitment? NO? Why not?
Cuz Brady left and so did the winning in Tampa.
You all are low IQ losers.
February 3rd, 2026 at 2:09 am
Joe’ response to my indictment on the Glazers:
LOL Never heard of Jimmy Haslam? The Johnson and Johnson Bros? The Bidwell clan? Shad Conn? David Tepper? Stephen Ross? There are 12 teams without a Super Bowl title. The Bucs, under the Glazers, have two.
Bosch’s reply:
But how do they treat their fans? Do they listen to them? Do they put winning ahead of their profit? Certainly, the arrogant Glazers don’t. Did they even have the courtesy to issue a public statement on Bowles retention? Of course not. They don’t think Bucs fans are worth it. We are the owners, so the rest of you can just go to. …
Joe I challenge you to do the AI research on Manchester United as described in my post and comment on that. Seriously, the Glazers are not nice people.
February 3rd, 2026 at 6:47 am
The Glazers, Jason Licht and Bowles have failed miserably. Since nobody will hold them accountable we the fans will. That’s about 90% of the fan base that have recognized that these people have tried to sweep their AWFUL decisions under the rug and buy time to let everybody simmer down so everything can go back to business as usual. I’m here to tell them that ain’t gonna work. We’ll be here to remind everybody we aren’t accepting failure as business as usual anymore.
February 3rd, 2026 at 8:55 am
Very obvious that JL and TB are poor defensive line evaluators! Just look how the past 5 years high draft picks have panned out…very poorly! It’s either that or their defensive coaches aren’t very good??
February 3rd, 2026 at 10:26 am
Licht, without Brady has always been a below average GM. And he overpays for below average players.
February 3rd, 2026 at 11:25 am
I believe it was Ira ( don’t call me Irv ) who…like many of us…called for Licht to be replaced pre-Arians arrival. His record at that time eclipsed Dominik’s for futility…winning roughly 1 out of 3 games while falling for the JR Sweezey Swindle and The Saggy Baker botch.
His tenure has been polarizing to the fan base. We all loved that his pleas for Arians to coach the team worked. Winston was proven to be a court jester ( and he’s actually beloved for his goofiness now ) and Brady was gloriously found behind “Door # 2”. But since Arians left his coaching post…this team has mostly trended downwards…in a historically lousy division.
I want to believe that Bowles and Licht are a package deal and handcuffed together. It would be hard to imagine Licht choosing yet another coach during his tenure. It would be 4-5 depending on how you look at it.
This draft will be critical…the team is old and/or devoid at certain positions. Free agency will be interesting…I like the thought of a Devin Lloyd type.
Bottom line is Licht’s probably somewhere in between the genius a handful of posters and the Joe who’s mantra is Licht House/Ring of Honor/Fire…and the lucky stumblebum who of late has overpaid players via early extensions gone bad and paying Reddick 13 million to play like Kyle Less is Moore.
February 3rd, 2026 at 1:55 pm
The team has gone 35-33 in the last four seasons under Bowles and Licht but also 59-42 with five playoff appearances, four division titles and a Super Bowl in the last six seasons. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water… whatever that means. Licht, despite this past season’s failure, is a top GM. No, Bowles is not McVay… he’s not Belichick… Tomlin… but he’s okay. Until there is a proven coach out there to replace him, why settle for less? McDermott, Tomlin, maybe someone else springs free next season, there are few upgrades available. But Licht… there aren’t many better than him. His eye for talent in the draft and free agency are among the best. Two of his last three choices at offensive coordinator are successful head coaches… remember McKay’s staff of the late 90’s early 2000’s? Dungy, Edwards, Marinelli, Kiffin, Tomlin, McKay assembled an amazing staff. That is a rare talent. Licht might be even better than McKay because he can identify talent on both sides of the ball. Getting rid of Licht would be a regrettable mistake… unless folks here LIKED Bruce Allen, Mark Dominik, and the GMs of the 80’s.
February 4th, 2026 at 7:16 am
“” But Licht… there aren’t many better than him. His eye for talent in the draft and free agency are among the best.””
Congrat’s on the absolute worst take of 2026. Good lord what a load of crap that entire post is.