“I Don’t Think We’ve Seen What YaYa Can Do Yet”
March 19th, 2026
Yes, the Buccaneers view YaYa Diaby as a premium edge rusher.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht confirmed this yesterday when he sat down with Joe and three other reporters at One Buc Palace.
Interestingly, Licht was not asked about Diaby. Answering a question about freshly signed free agent edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammed, Licht raved about how hungry Muhammed is for the opportunity coming off an 11-sack season with Detroit, and Licht said the signing is a win for Diaby.
“It’s also an opportunity to also make YaYa better,” Licht said. “YaYa, and we talked about, I think it was you guys [with me on the Ira Kaufman Podcast] at the Combine, that we haven’t drafted a premier rusher. But YaYa, if you look at his first three years — his sacks, his pressures, his win rate — it stacks up there with some of the best. I don’t think we’ve seen what YaYa can do yet. So, but having a partner on the other side; I mean, I can’t wait to see David Walker. And, I think it could unlock a lot from a lot of our players.”
Yes, Licht loves him some David Walker, last year’s fourth-round draft pick who has yet to complete a padded practice because of a serious knee injury. Joe will join Licht on the hope train!
As for Diaby developing further and thriving with better talent across from him, Joe is eager to see it.
On the last Ira Kaufman Podcast, there was debate on Diaby’s development. As was noted, Diaby very likely would command $20 million on the free agent market if he hit it last week. That means the NFL thinks Diaby has developed quite well as a third-round pick in 2023.
Big contract year ahead for Diaby. And yes, Licht could extend Diaby now if he desired. Joe is happy to let Diaby wait a year.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
yes we have seen what he can do, he is basically the best at getting as close as you can to the QB without touching him…..over and over again……just like every other D lineman that the genius Licht has drafted
March 19th, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Ya ya about to blow up like Braswell..
Bud Licht is a moron.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Lmao
March 19th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Top edge rushers are double digits. Let’s see it! Cant wait!
March 19th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
Yes, we have.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:13 pm
i think we’ve seen it Licht lol…
Braswell sure did “shock” everyone last year with his disappearing acts lol
GO BUCS!!!!
March 19th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
He is good. Seven sacks is okay. Kancey seems like the guy who could be a difference maker but it is next year for the Bucs or never. Maxx Crosby would make them all better.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Overall, I’m a fan of Licht. However, his hype trains sometimes go off the rails.
Remember Braswell shocking the world?
Jason is correct about a lot.
But, you don’t get much more wrong than thinking Braswell will shock the world.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
wish folks at OBP would challenge players instead of anointing them lol…
how about licht and bowles light a fire under their butts and say:
“we signed Muhammed because he’s a player who’s capable of getting 10+ sacks because no one on the roster has shown they can….still waiting on YaYa, braswell, walker, nelson CK94 to step up and produce…
too many damn nice guys running around at OPB!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
March 19th, 2026 at 12:26 pm
Also has double digit TFLs all 3 seaskns and plays the run well. Hope hes a buc for a long time.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
This guy is simply delusional when it comes to the edge rushers he drafts. We heard JTS was just a touch of finishing away from being a great pass rusher. Chris Braswell was going to have a breakout year last year. Now he’s saying Yaya is the answer. Spoiler alert, he isn’t, especially after 3 years to prove himself in the league. He’s a solid #2 edge rusher but won’t ever be any more than that. But wait, we’ve got an unproven forth round pick that *may* pan out after not practicing last year. Count me as skeptical of whatever this guy is selling in regards to edge rushers. The only thing I do know is a broken clock is right twice a day, he’ll keep drafting crap and eventually hit because he’s lucky. Edge rusher is the main position I want us to pay and sign a big name in free agency because we’ve proven for years we can’t draft and can’t develop edge rushers. I’d be a good as Licht doing it and I know squat about evaluating college prospects.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Im done hearing JL say anything about our Edge Rushers. Been done
March 19th, 2026 at 12:32 pm
Sometimes, I think Jason Licht puts way too much stock in his own picks. Some of our best players under him were free agents.
-David
March 19th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
There is a guy on the team Mohammad Kamara. I am interested to see if he develops any.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
So I guess we’re gonna win the Super Bowl next year also? Doubt it.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
I have hope for YaYa, BUT he needs development!
March 19th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
The typical low-IQ dope posting in comments have no idea how good Yaya is, and how he’s viewed around the rest of the NFL.
Said it many a times, but listening to other teams podcasts before we play them – not the fan ones, but the more pro ones with former players and team executives, and on defense, one name they always bring up is Yaya. Every time they say, “I didn’t know much abut him, but watching tape, wow” – every time.
Yaya has been the biggest victim of Bowles super soft trash zone defense. QB’s always have someone wide open to throw the ball to, so if they’re under pressure they just drop it off. Meanwhile, when the Bucs plan man and don’t have huge passing windows, that’s when Yaya actually gets his sacks. But the issue is Bowles leading the league in zone in 2024, and was certainly top 5 last year (anyone with the stats let me know, I haven’t been able to find them yet).
Sign Yaya to an extension now, because he’s only going to get more expensive. Teams are going to go after him next offseason and he’s going to get paid.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Yaya always seems to be a step too slow. He has to change that.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:54 pm
Do they mean if he had a real coach, with a real system, with real practices? I guess we’ll see with the next coach, if the Bucs don’t repeat the mistake like they did with Coach Blows.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
However you see him, 20 sacks (almost 7 a season) in his first 3 years in the League as a developmental-ish 3rd round pick with that physique and measurable sand play style
Yea, I see why he would’ve fetched that amount and why the Bucs gave an arrow pointing up on him.
There was a few games last season where he was all over the place, at times seeming to be the only guy in front 7 applying consistent pressure and having an impact on the game or flashing.
I got no qualms about YaYa. Now get him a fearsome edge rusher on the other side and see what he does, what kind of impact he makes and how his pressure and sack numbers look. You most likely have a solid #2 edge guy with real possibility of more.
Might wanna consider extending him now if you feel that way. Get a discount while you can. It’s only more reason why it makes sense to add another quality Edge rusher on a rookie contract.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Hmmmm…is YaYa going to shock us like Chris Braswell did last year both comments from JL.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
So much hype on Walker two years in a row. Dude better splash or Licht will.look like a used car salesman. I want to see him surprise too, but better to see it before we hear about again. Zip it Jason, let Walker’s play speak for itself.
March 19th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Gotta love some morning hopium/copium from Jason Licht. Brightens my day and makes me laugh at the same time.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
If we had a competent HC\DC I could see the headline coming true.
But alas, we are stuck in reverse.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
YaYa needs to go to Pass Rush Camp…ohhh wait…he did attend prior to the start of last season.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
GM Light would probably have a good career in politics. Maybe he could run for some local position next year after the Glazers clean house next year.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Could we please have a list of every Buccaneer on the field for 3rd and 28 and 4th and 14?
Sorry, Licht. You lost credibility with your crowing last year about Braswell. And you paid a guy who is bored.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:12 pm
Watch some interviews of yaya talking about pass rushing then watch kancy talk about it yaya is already what he is going to be.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Max Crosby has 2 seasons over 10 sacks in 7 seasons…But has 5 Pro Bowls…Sacks are about who gets them
March 19th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
Only thing Yaya needs to do, is develop his pass rush repertoire and keep that motor hot. Would love to see him work on his bend, and get a little more deliberate with his hands paired with the violence he already plays with, he’ll be on his way.
Don’t care about how many sacks he can tally as an individual, I want to see him forcing his way into the back field and getting QBs off their mark with consistency, all the positives that go with that will come. More hurries, forced throws, TFLs and sacks-I want it all from Yaya.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Most NFL picks are based on “potential”. Even guys that produced in college don’t pan out in the NFL. However, the Braswell pick was a head scratcher for me. I asked AL fans what they thought of Braswell and they were like, “who?”. AL fans know their roster, so when I couldn’t find a single AL fan that knew or remembered Braswell that says a lot.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
What if Chris Braswell is only asked to rush the passer, nothing else but run to the qb, wonder if he would be better????
March 19th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Jason Licht is up to his off-season trickery again
Selling dreams to gullible Bucs fans
March 19th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
Last year was started with high hopes but injuries put an end to the season 😢. 2026 is a new season. An inordinate amount of injuries put an end to the defense. 2026 is a new season. Odds are it should improve
If someone expects doom and gloom on their lives it becomes self forefilling. To all you nay sayers out there it’s time to shut up and let 2026 be be a beacon of hope and a championship run.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
Allen Lofton, ROTFLMAO!
You must be a comic. That is hilarious.
There might be a dumpster run, that’s the only type we’re gonna see.
March 19th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Yaya Diaby is what he is
He’s a pressure guy, he’s not a sack artist
But he’s good at what he does ( pressuring the QB)
He deserves an extension, he should get one before the season starts
It’s not his fault, the others Edge Rushers are not pressuring the QB
I would pay a Edge Rusher that give me 60 pressures a season
He shouldn’t get top pay for his position
But he should get 2nd tier pay
March 19th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
Yaya max 7 sack guy
March 19th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 19th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
The typical low-IQ dope posting in comments have no idea how good Yaya is,
Rod we can agree to disagree with your posts about Baker , but you are 100 % accurate on this post
March 19th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Vildor to NE, bye bih
March 19th, 2026 at 1:55 pm
Stfu and go draft one Rd 1
March 19th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
If you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.
Let’s go Yaya, Kancey, Walker, and the new guys.
I like the motor and a$$ kicked mentality of the new guys. Hoping A’Shawn becomes the locker room enforcer because Vita doesn’t have the mentality to get in your face imo. Soft mindset on defense last year and that has to change.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Rod Munch Says:
March 19th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
The typical low-IQ dope posting in comments have no idea how good Yaya is, and how he’s viewed around the rest of the NFL.
——————————————————————————————
Yeah, I 100% agree!
So does ChatGPT – here’s is some of it’s evaluation of YaYa:
📈 Advanced Metrics Insight
PFF Overall: ~72 (above average starter)
Pass Rush Grade: ~77 (strong)
Pressure production: borderline top-tier
Translation:
👉 He’s already a quality starting EDGE
👉 Trending toward Pro Bowl-level impact if sacks catch up
He’s also in elite company historically:
One of few players to post 12+ TFL in each of first 3 seasons alongside stars like Aaron Donald and Micah Parsons
YaYa Diaby isn’t just a role player — he’s a pressure engine still learning how to cash in his chaos. If he sharpens his pass-rush toolkit, you’re looking at a player who could go from “annoying for offenses” to “game-wrecking problem.”
March 19th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Yaya keeps improving every year just like Otton does on the offense. Can’t ask do much more. Now David walker is someone I’m looking forward to see playing. Totally forgot about him. Let’s be real fans for a change and root for our players and coaches to be successful not the other way around. Your not a true fan if your rooting for your team to lose. Quit crying and man up take your little dresses off already
March 19th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Watched an interview with Mesidor and I thought he was good, but didn’t like his interview. Seems like a good guy the Bucs would draft though. Even though he is 25 if he can produce next year that’s better.
We need to draft Faulk and switch to a 4-3.
Bigger guys on the outside with Muhammad, Diaby and Faulk would let you do that. Especially with A Shawn at DT now.
Put David at right, Anzalone in the middle and the new 2nd rd pick on the left.
I would pick up Diggs to start opposite McCollum and we are set.
Draft a LG in the 3rd and double dip DE or LB in the 4th. Then depth.
This team still has an opportunity to compete!
March 19th, 2026 at 2:23 pm
I just want to see Yaya shove the offensive tackle on the ground and smash the QB haha 😄
March 19th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Apathy
March 19th, 2026 at 2:29 pm
The pre season hype is starting to go off. Soon it will be a Super Bowl Run for these sad sack Bucs. Every player pro Bowl Bound. Bowzo Coach of the year. .500 reality will eventually set in.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
I liked Ya Ya funny name. He sucks as a player like Plan 9. Get rid of him.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
Well he better hurry up he’s already 26. Will be 27 in May. He’s supposed to be in his prime now!
March 19th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
Billy Bucco Says:
I would pick up Diggs to start opposite McCollum, and we are set.
——————————————————————————
McCollum has elite athletic ability and seemed to be working hard to improve in his early seasons as a football player. He looked good in 2024! I don’t know what happened to him last season, but I’m hoping he gets over his “boredom” while playing and continues to develop.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:37 pm
Scott … ‘There is a guy on the team (named) Mohammad Kamara. I am interested to see if he develops any.’
You & I Scott may be the only 2 JBFers who even now that Kamara is on the Bucs. Not sure why, but he just might make the active roster. Drafted by the Dolphins in 2024, they waived him in Aug 2025 and the Bucs signed him to our Practice Squad. Got elevated to the active roster for 3 games last year (Saints, Patriots, Bills), but only got in for 5 def snaps & 35 S/T snaps.
The thing that intrigues me about him is the same thing that intrigues everyone else about David Walker: his college stats. Kamara (6’1″ & 253 lbs) played 5 seasons at Colorado State. His first 2 years were nothing outstanding, but his last 3 years were vey impressive. In 12 games each of those seasons, he got 7.5 sacks in 2021, then 8.5 sacks in 2022 and 13 sacks in 2023. That’s 29 sacks in 3 years; not too shabby.
David Walker had 30 sacks in his last 3 years in college. He’s roughly the same size (measured at 6’1″ & 263 lbs at Combine), but Kamara is a tad faster (Walker 4.67 sec in 40 yds and Kamara 4.57 sec in 40 yds). Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until they get to play in actual games, not just practice.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Grover Says:
March 19th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
I liked Ya Ya funny name. He sucks as a player like Plan 9. Get rid of him.
Typical response from a troll. You don’t know anything about football. But you can definitely complain and be negative every day.
March 19th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
If u want him to get sacks don’t ever put him in coverage it messes with the rhythm they got going on
March 19th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
One trick pony with the bull rush…why hasn’t he adapted any other moves? Oh ya, coaching
March 19th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
“You & I Scott may be the only 2 JBFers who even now that Kamara is on the Bucs. ”
C’mon now DR
“Warren Brooks Lynch Says:
August 28th, 2025 at 6:27 am
Mo Kamara was added to the PS, that guy has some potential to help contribute as an OLB with time. Undersized, the 4.5 speed might make you think he’s a speed rusher but he plays with strength. Not hyping this kid up as a savior, but I wanted us to draft him in ‘24 but the Dolphins scooped him up before we got the chance. A development to watch”
March 19th, 2026 at 2:47 pm
Wow so negative. Mike might be right about this fan base.