Will Contract-Year Players Save The Season?
January 1st, 2026
For weeks now the Bucs collectively have played like a lifeless force, a unit taking on the usual public persona of its head coach.
“We’re trying. We’re good. We just have to keep practicing like we do and we’ll snap out of it.”
It’s been a steaming pile. And the Bucs have not displayed the leadership capable of pulling the team out of its rut, or capable of forcing change because a crisis demands it.
Visibly, on and off the field, the team looks and sounds defeated. It’s a sad sight.
Joe is convinced Team Glazer and Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht see the same thing. And it sure seems like they’ve resigned themselves to a mindset of, ‘well, it’s Todd Bowles’ team right now. We all have to sink or swim with how he’s handling things.”
If that’s the mindset, it’s weak as hell.
Licht should have had every player walk though his office for a 5 minute meeting this week. Ownership, too, was very capable of getting creative to inspire the team.
Will fans learn that anything out of the failing Bucs norm changed this week?
These power brokers at One Buc Palace love to talk about how they’ll do anything and everything imaginable to improve the team. Well, Joe would love to know what they did this week while an opportunity for a Super Bowl appearance hangs in the balance. And if Licht and Glazers think the Bucs have no shot to win four consecutive games, then they should fire Bowles now and tank Saturday’s game for a better draft pick. They shouldn’t be able to have it both ways.
Joe is frustrated along with most Bucs fans by what’s happened to this team.
So what might change Saturday?
Joe thinks it’s possible that contract-year players could rise up to snap the Bucs out of their funk. They might find a money incentive to turn them into hungry and rabid football players.
Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Rachaad White, Cade Otton, Mike Evans, Michael Jordan, Dan Feeney and a bunch of special teams players are pending free agents after the season. That represents a lot of snaps in Saturday’s game.
(Joe is not including Haason Reddick and Lavonte David because Reddick was in a contract year last year with the Jets and was awful, and David is likely to retire.)
Joe also will add Baker Mayfield to the mix. While he has tens of millions guaranteed for 2026, Mayfield has no contract for 2027 and likely would love to extend his contract this summer. A spectacular finish to this season sure would go a long way toward helping him negotiate.
This is what it’s come to for the Bucs, hoping something other than professionalism, fans, love for the game and respect for coaches motivates players.
January 1st, 2026 at 5:28 pm
That mustache and mullet should give him super powers
January 1st, 2026 at 5:30 pm
This guys mustache and mullet is our secret weapon
January 1st, 2026 at 5:33 pm
No Joe they won’t, because they can’t. They’re just not good, or well coached. There’s no saving this season. Licht is just as much to blame for this mess as Bowles. Someone else will have to fix it, Licht, and Bowles aren’t capable.
January 1st, 2026 at 5:33 pm
Jesus could play quarterback this Saturday and the Bus would still suck. Football is a team sport, if only one out of 11 players doesn’t care about playing well, then the whole pirate ship sinks. I don’t believe the coaching staff is capable of motivating every player who will be on the field Saturday.
The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
January 1st, 2026 at 5:36 pm
Bowles has the team right where it always is. Trying to secure a win in week 17 only this time win or lose it doesn’t matter what happens if Atlanta wins on Sunday
January 1st, 2026 at 5:43 pm
The hitting and tackling in the 3 college playoff games in the past 24 hours far exceeds anything I can remember from the Bucs this year!
January 1st, 2026 at 5:44 pm
I’m going to watch tomorrow.
But honestly, I just can’t get excited about it. 🙁
*sigh*
January 1st, 2026 at 5:49 pm
Curt Cignetti is our guy
January 1st, 2026 at 5:51 pm
It’s out of their hands. It’s up to New Orleans. Who would be wise to tank and secure a top 5 draft pick.
January 1st, 2026 at 5:53 pm
@Joe – why do you protect Licht??? I have never seen an article stating the truth of how he’s not been up to par as a GM, he’s frugile, when does give money it’s a good chance the money is wasted – and when it comes to draft picks OMG he has sucked big time!!! he’ll have maybe 1 contributer per draft, maybe. But he hasn’t drafted an edge rusher, Linebacker to help LVD, or have provided depth in hardly any of the positions. IF Bowles get’s fired Licht needs to get fired too because Bowles doesn’t pick the players! He does! Do not eliminate the any responsibility from Licht! he sucks as a GM
Joe disagrees. –Joe
January 1st, 2026 at 6:11 pm
I’d literally take Indiana and their coaching staff for the entire Bucs team. It’s almost sad watching this team play knowing we’re stuck with our bs coach, organization, and a bunch of mental case quitters on the team.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:13 pm
Phred Says:
The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
————————————————————————
Sometimes that is true, but not always.
If it were true, then predicting a deep playoff run for the Bucs would have
been a good prediction back when the team was 6 -2.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:14 pm
Licht would extend all of them, he’s as big a problem as Bowles.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:17 pm
The Glazers and Licht are a part of the problem
If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem
And they are definitely not a part of the solution
January 1st, 2026 at 6:23 pm
Baker Mayfield had a career year last year and was still in the top 5 in turnovers. Sound familiar? I’ll give you guys a hint, he’s “famous” for eating “W’s.”
Guys it’s time to see the reality of the situation the Bucs lack a quality OC to mask Mayfield’s deficiencies. The injuries to both starting guards has turned Baker into a one read QB. When an OC doesn’t give Baker the answers pre snap like acorn did last year Baker turns into Jamies lite.
As for Bowles, what do you expect he is who we thought he was before they made him a HC! Jason Licht is the only GM in the NFL that will give a Dc who just lost a game with a failed blitz(see Rams 2021) and offer him the top job. Granted Arians tied us up by retiring late. But I can’t defend doofus for signing off on an extension for goofus in June 2025.
Today, this team is a reflection of a lack of talent and poor coaching. And for me it’s not even execution or effort that the culprit, the defense has actually played better after the saints game, for me it’s energy! Where’s the energy?!
Still, sadly, Bowles will not get fired bc Licht will admitting his error in judgment by extending oa mediocre HC in the NFL.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:28 pm
When you fall from #1 in ESPN Power Rankings, from 5-1 to 7-9
You can’t lay all of the blame on the Workers aka Players
The blame goes from Ownership to Head Coach
You can’t even blame the assistant Coaches, they’re also Workers
You have to point the blame at the shirts on this one
They allowed it, they have the power to bring change
Not the Workers
January 1st, 2026 at 6:28 pm
Bucs will throttle Carolina, but it will be all for naught. There’s no chance the slimy Saints help us out. I’ll streak down my street if they beat Altanta. Ain’t happening. Seeing the Bucs snap out of their funk Saturday will be followed up with a kick to the nuts Sunday. A fitting ending to a horrid season.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:32 pm
Perhaps Licht is the smartest one in the room. The locker room is a hot mess, why would Licht waste draft picks on Bowles. Not trading for player is the ultimate indictment on Bowles skills as a coordinator and he is burnt toast. If they keep Bowles then yea Licht should be gone whenever Bowles is gone
January 1st, 2026 at 6:46 pm
I have doubts anything can ‘Save’ this disaster.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:51 pm
I will never forgive the a$$hole that has me rooting for the slimey saints wtf, f u bowels.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:54 pm
NO. WHAT ABOUT Jason LICKT’S TEAM. ANOTHER article placing ALL the blame on Todd Bowles, WITHOUT ANY of the blame whatsoever, being placed on JL. It is PATHETIC and OBVIOUS what is going on here. “Ring of Honor,” My ACE. What a JOKE. Even, everyone on WDAE has admitted it. WHERE’S ‘The Pressure’ on LICKT. It’s total BS. And, when there is NOT ONE move or non move from HIM in the past YEAR+ that ANYONE can defend. NOT ONE. And, NOT A WORD. There is ZERO credibility here. So, guess we’ll just wait for the next article blaming BOWLES AGAIN for all of THIS, and no one else. JUST Bowles. NEVER JL. It’s been 12-YEARS. Time to move on. Bowles WON a “Super Bowl” too, so where’s HIS PASS!? 92-104.
January 1st, 2026 at 6:58 pm
Will Contract-Year Players Save The Season?
Short answer: No!
Long answer: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!
January 1st, 2026 at 6:58 pm
They should put Jason Licht in the ” Hall Of Shame”
Without the few years he rode Ton Brady jock
He’s just a failing, mediocre GM
January 1st, 2026 at 6:59 pm
“”””Tom Brady””””
January 1st, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Well said Timon. Couldn’t agree more
Timon Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 6:23 pm
January 1st, 2026 at 7:00 pm
@ Lakeland – That’s RIGHT. JL is to blame as much as ANYONE. Where’s he at hiding NOW!? The ONLY thing HE has done is look like THE ‘Clueless’ FOOL that HE IS. He needs to do the right thing, and STEP DOWN. Period. End of Story.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:04 pm
As far as the players go- the ones that have quit aren’t going to start up again. They’re ready for the offseason. Visiting the gm and owner isn’t going to chance that IMO.
Licht and Glazers – I happen to agree that they see what we all do, more so even. If they lose on Saturday they get a better draft slot and if they win, there’s the possibility that they get a home playoff game and the revenue that comes with it.
Also – you have a division of labor. Unwritten rule you don’t muddle in the coaches affairs. Plenty of reasons for them not to inject themselves into the situation.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:06 pm
What grown man goes to a concert of a band they like 30+ times? The whole JL AC/DC shtick is old. How about you spend more time working on the Bucs than being a fanboy like a teenager. That never sat well with me. It’s total cringe
January 1st, 2026 at 7:09 pm
@ Jack Burton Mercer Says: “Curt Cignetti is our guy.”
He just signed like an 8-year/almost $100-MILLION Contract. At 64-years old, he’s going NOWHERE. And, he’s developed a close personal relationship with Mark Cuban (both bonded over being Pittsburgh boys)… It was the reason for Cuban giving a BIG CHECK (‘donation’) to the IU Football Program specifically, for the very first-time.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:15 pm
This team bites my scrotum.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:17 pm
@ Timon Says: “But I can’t defend doofus for signing off on an extension for goofus in June 2025.”
That’s Right. That’s ANOTHER thing, that I keep forgetting about… Friggin’ JL EXTENDED BOWLES, just a few months ago, when he didn’t even HAVE TO. Now, let that sink in. Not MY $$$$.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Timon, it’s obvious that you know nothing about Baker’s past. Do your homework before you make a fool of yourself, or even worse, turn into Dr. Muncher. Now I’m making a fool of myself.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:23 pm
@Lakeland
I’ve been saying that for awhile to where the front office the coaching staff & the Glazers are the problem.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:24 pm
@Lakeland
If somebody else takes over that D they’d probably look better. There’s no way that team overall should be struggling the way it is with all that talent on it.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:27 pm
They extended JL and Bowles – Plus guaranteed Bakers 2026 salary.
JL has serious beer goggles for his draft picks…I think the Bucs only make minor changes for 2026
January 1st, 2026 at 7:30 pm
If the Buccaneers defeat the Panthers Todd Bowles keeps his job !!
I’ll never pull for the Bucs to lose !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Panthers!!
January 1st, 2026 at 7:34 pm
@ Adam Says: “The whole JL AC/DC shtick is old,”
💯Agree on THAT LoL. Thing being, I never thought it was “new” Hahah. HE’S OLD. Been in his position for too long. He’d be smart (lol and I know that’s asking for A LOT) to step down, and try preserving what “legacy” he has left. He’s GOTTA GO.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:35 pm
And you know what’s funny? Licht is STILL the best GM the team has ever had!
Hard to believe but true. I can’t stand the gross “mystery” what the he!! happened but until we do.. Blaming (Besides the Obvious BOZO) is just throwing darts. TO MANY argued that it was wise to hold all the draft picks (I WAS NOT one of them) and Now some of the same people might be arguing the other way because their Hero Bowles is about to get thrown SO FAR INTO THE BAY THAT THE SHARKS WILL EAT HIM BEFORE HE’S EVER SEEN AGAIN! Or at least, THEY BETTER! But the same people that once defended Bowles (openly) Are looking for Any Scape Goat possible for BOZO they can point a finger at!
And Licht HAS RESPONSIBILITY for SOMETHING Not WORKING and THAT’S a FACT! Now how much blame IS Lichts? You should ask the Glazers about it before assuming too much. Just how responsible IS Licht???….. Fair Question.
Besides, he IS BOZO’S “Supposed” boss…
January 1st, 2026 at 7:52 pm
The season is over… there’s no time left that save it.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:56 pm
@ Adam – I have always thought he was EMBARRASSING. We need a ‘serious’ person in that position, as GM. He is NOT it. Never was, and HIS RECORD speaks for ITSELF (92-104, including BA AND BRADY). That roster pre-Brady was NOT “great” either. Didn’t make the playoffs the year before. Had an extremely YOUNG DWhite and Secondary, that happened to come together by the end of that season, and then caught FIRE. Drafted the very LAST one, of the TOP ‘projected’ O-Linemen (Wirfs), only because of the ‘older-immobile’ Brady. And, everyone was worried about our O-Line being able to protect him, so it was an OBVIOUS PICK. Then, got Winfield Junior too, who I also WANTED. I watched him play quite a bit in college, and liked his dad. It was for sure JL’s BEST Draft. I thought his 2024-Draft was also very good. BUT, that was about it. Had 2-STUD WR’s on Offense, then added Gronk, Lenny, & AB (all only because of Brady). So, it’s easy to say NOW, that it was this great roster and everything, BUT it really wasn’t. There were LOTS of ‘questions’ going into that season. It was just ‘the best’ of only a very few ‘opportunities’ that Brady had LEFT. After San Fran, Miami, and the Raiders… WHERE else did he have left, the BEARS!? Regardless, you DON’T get a ‘lifetime’ PASS.
January 1st, 2026 at 7:57 pm
Timon Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 6:23 pm
“Baker Mayfield had a career year last year and was still in the top 5 in turnovers. Sound familiar? I’ll give you guys a hint, he’s “famous” for eating “W’s.”
Nothing alike.
Winston had 30 picks last year.
Mayfield had 17 picks last year.
Huger difference.
This year, Mayfield has around 13 picks.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Curt Cignetti’s got spunk. We need his type of intensity on the sideline.
Go get him Jason!
January 1st, 2026 at 8:03 pm
Todd Bowles shouldn’t be anyone boss, and he shouldn’t be making important decisions, key personnel decisions. He’s not capable of doing such things, he was a good football player and a decent DC. But he’s not Head Coach material, and most former players are not Head Coach material. Most Defensive Coordinators don’t make great Head Coaches.
At some point these Gullible fans has to look at ownership and management for making these colossal mistakes. When Bruce Arians stepped down, a search should have been made for a quality HC. It should have taken weeks for them to find a replacement for Arians. And the same goes for replacing Liam Coen. They should have searched for a qualified replacement for Coen. They never should have elevated Josh Grizzard into a important position like Offensive Coordinator, for a Top- 4 offense.l.
None of this make sense
I’m not going to point fingers at these players, they don’t have control of nothing
I’m looking at the people actually in charge of this franchise
January 1st, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Jason Licht is a great GM. If you are a true fan, you know this. If you are a fan of another team, say for examle, the Jags or a division rival..lthen you do not want the Bucs to keep Jason Licht or their best players.
If you are an idiot and a Bucs fan…well…you probably like Donald too, because you’ll buy anything you are told.
The bottom line is this:
The Bucs only win superbowls with offensive head coaches. Period.
Destroying the offensive roster will not attract one. We have great offensive talent, even if Mike Evans retires. We just need someone who can use them.
And Jason Licht has built the offense. As he was called upon to do.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:06 pm
Ring of Fire(d) GM J-Licht has overstayed his welcome. He had a worse record at the helm than Dominik before Big Brother Bruce arrived and Brady fell in the Bucs lap. He unnecessarily early extends guys and made Reddick the 3rd highest paid Buc this season. If the Glazers want to keep Lil’ Mike Greenberg as a bean counter/salary cap curator…that would be fine.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:07 pm
@ Obvious – You won’t ever see ME defend Bowles. I was the VERY FIRST and LOUDEST ONE on here, who said (with still at least 3-4 games left to play LAST season), that the BUCS FO better be ‘getting their ducks in a row’ and be prepared to do “WHATEVER IT TAKES” to keep Cohen HERE, and that includes up to moving Bowles upstairs to an advisory/mentor/ambassador type of roll. 💯 FIRST. And. LOUDEST. I’m only saying, that you CAN’T just continue only trying to scapegoat Bowles until no end, while completely hiding LICKT’s culpability. Seriously, are we going to have 8,000 articles written about JUST BOWLES, and never EVEN ONE, on JL. NEVER THE FIRST!? It’s pathetic and SO OBVIOUS what’s going on here, by trying to shield LICKT.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:07 pm
#HireMattNagy
January 1st, 2026 at 8:11 pm
Buckaroo Bonzee’s political stance makes an appearance I see. This explains even more of his persona. After claiming the Bucs would win out over a month ago and promising he would go away for the season…he returned with his life story ( where he’s the hero of course )…including martial arts expert and an affinity for Matt Nagy. Keep up the good work!
January 1st, 2026 at 8:11 pm
@ Winny Testaverde – Yes. As far as what I know and have heard, definitely KEEP Greenberg. We need a ‘serious’ sharp competent GM who can evaluate TALENT, alongside the ‘right’ HC. 💯
January 1st, 2026 at 8:13 pm
Winny Testaverde Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 8:06 pm
“…before Big Brother Bruce arrived and Brady fell in the Bucs lap…”
He went out and recruited them. HE made the decision to go after Bruce and got approval from the owners.
He and Arians wanted Brady, but it was Licht who got him.
He did exactly what he was supposed to do…and now that you want him gone, you take it away to justify your opinion.
Nevermind that he built the roster that attracted Arians and Brady. That he rebuilt the offensive line. That he went all in, and then got us out of cap issues within just two years while keeping us able to win multiple division titles.
Don’t be dumb.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Winny Testaverde Says:
” and promising he would go away for the season…”
You, sir, are a liar. So you are stupid and dishonest.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:17 pm
But I did predict they would win when they didn’t. Which is better than always saying they’ll lose. It’s called being a fan. Try it. Preferably elsewhere.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:19 pm
Oh Buckaroo…you absolutely said you were done for the season. And it lasted all of 10 minutes. For God’s sake go back to writing your elf erotica…give this board a much needed break from your continued nonsense.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:19 pm
“””””You can lead these Gullible Bucs fans to the water””””
“”””” But you can’t force them to drink it “”””
😂😂🤣🤣
January 1st, 2026 at 8:20 pm
“Always” was the keyword there.
As in “ALWAYS” saying they will lose.
Get a life, TRUMPet.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:22 pm
@ Buccaneer Bonzai – Yeup! YOU just proved exactly who and what YOU are. You’re a propaganda believer, and I’ve known it all along. YOU only believe what YOU ARE TOLD, and just WANT TO believe, without ANY ‘critical’ thinking, EVER. It’s all 💯 completely EMPTY, with never any FACTS to back it up! When you believe WITHOUT reason, then YOU CAN’T be persuaded by reason. It’s ALL just empty. NO context or substance, and ZERO depth. I’ve noticed this on most all of your past comments. You have no BS-detector. Just SLURP every last drop of Bucs FO propaganda, just exactly the way you do with mainstream legacy media. You cower your power. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And, are not capable of ‘thinking’ FOR YOURSELF.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:22 pm
JL should have every player walk through his office this week….? Tbh this should have been weeks ago before the 10 mulligans it took to get here.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:27 pm
Winny Testaverde Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 8:19 pm
“Oh Buckaroo…you absolutely said you were done for the season. And it lasted all of 10 minutes. For God’s sake go back to writing your elf erotica…give this board a much needed break from your continued nonsense.”
Again. Lying. Or maybe you are misremembering what you read. What I said was that I was glad the season was coming to an end because I needed time to recharge. What I said was that the first half of the season was a rollercoaster, and the second half was a nose dive. What I said was that we SHOULD boycott the final game to send a message.
Not that I would, but that we should.
With it being Gene’s last game, I will be listening, hut not watching.
However, I NEVER said I “would go away for the season”. Not once.
You are welcome to look it up. Waste your time.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:33 pm
I don’t know about the contract players doing any better this week, but I do know Licht and Bowles should be shown the door no matter what the outcome. The new HC can decide who goes and who stays.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:35 pm
Contract players could very well be the ones who want to get far away from Bowels as possible not knowing IF the Bucs will have the cajones to sent him out the door!
January 1st, 2026 at 8:36 pm
@ Curse of Gruden Says: “Curt Cignetti’s got spunk. We need his type of intensity on the sideline.
Go get him Jason!”
Now, THAT is hilarious… “Go Get Him, JASON!?” Lmao. Jason isn’t landing JACK. Are you kidding me!? This has to be some kind of joke. Plus, read my statement above… Do YOU REALLY BELIEVE THAT “Jason” Could EVER Pull THAT OFF!? Puhhhlease.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:36 pm
Why do some think Licht should be ran off. This team have enough talent on both sides of the ball to at least be a Super Bowl contender Bowles just haven’t got the most out of his team. How does a team go from 6-2 to 1-7 so quickly? There something wrong in the locker room and on the field not the front office
January 1st, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Saints Win and Bucs win 5 straight! Let’s go!
January 1st, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Attn: Buckaroo Bonzee…here is the receipt you requested 👇🏼
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
December 21st, 2025 at 4:06 pm
At any rate, I’m done until 2026.
Like your Doppelgänger Tim Walz…ya musta misremembered!
January 1st, 2026 at 8:45 pm
Winny Testaverde Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Attn: Buckaroo Bonzee…here is the receipt you requested 👇🏼
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
December 21st, 2025 at 4:06 pm
At any rate, I’m done until 2026.
Like your Doppelgänger Tim Walz…ya musta misremembered!
———-
Not taking sides, but it is 2026.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:46 pm
Buccaneer bonzai
Ah yes, the classic “anyone who disagrees with me isn’t a true fan” opener. Always a strong start.
No one’s arguing Jason Licht can’t build an offense. He’s done that. Repeatedly. The issue is watching that talent get throttled by conservative, defensive-first coaching and being told we should just clap harder.
And the “Bucs only win Super Bowls with offensive head coaches” thing is adorable, considering one of them was won with a defensive HC who happened to have the greatest quarterback of all time running the offense. Minor detail, I know.
Wanting a modern offensive coach who can actually maximize the roster isn’t “destroying it,” and it doesn’t make someone a secret Jags fan or a political cult member. It just means they’ve watched the last few seasons.
But sure—keep gatekeeping fandom. That’s definitely how teams get better.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:50 pm
And the “Bucs only win Super Bowls with offensive head coaches” thing is adorable, considering one of them was won with a defensive HC who happened to have the greatest quarterback of all time running the offense. Minor detail, I know.
Who was the defensive HC???????????????
January 1st, 2026 at 8:51 pm
Joe also will add Baker Mayfield to the mix. While he has tens of millions guaranteed for 2026, Mayfield has no contract for 2027 and likely would love to extend his contract this summer. A spectacular finish to this season sure would go a long way toward helping him negotiate.
————-
If Baker’s agent didn’t fleece the Bucs earlier this year and get next year guaranteed, he’d be playing for his job on Saturday.
BUT, I agree in that idea that if Baker got hot and the Bucs get into the playoffs, and he goes on a roll, wins a couple of playoffs games, then you consider an extension if he was truly lights out. That, BTW, has been what I thought would happen all year. For as much as people think I hate Baker – I’ve said I expect him to have a very strong finish to the year once guys were back healthy and I’d even hope for a run in the playoffs. Baker, instead, has completely fallen on his face – but thanks to the NFC South, he still somehow has a 5th chance in a row to make the playoffs. Is the 5th time a charm, or he is done? And if he loses 8 of 9, loses 5 in a row with the playoffs on the line, and gets everyone fired – he is done, there’s not a coach ever again that is going to trust him with their job and even if plays, everyone will be looking to replace him.
January 1st, 2026 at 8:54 pm
#99 the big fella Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 8:46 pm
Buccaneer bonzai
Ah yes, the classic “anyone who disagrees with me isn’t a true fan” opener. Always a strong start.
———–
Again not taking sides since I didn’t read all the back and forth and don’t know what high school drama is taking place… but in general I’d agree with that take that if you don’t agree with ME, you’re not a true fan, and you’re also an awful person. Others are also allowed to feel that way, although obviously if they’re going against me, they’re an idiot and wrong.
Just throwing that out there as I think we should all be more tolerant of my opinions.
January 1st, 2026 at 9:08 pm
No football for the next 8 months. Try to enjoy our last game of the season and look forward to last year. Despite the frustration of the 6-2 collapse, sometimes change is a good thing. This team is capable of 12 wins, we were all thinking this could be the year. That in itself is disappointing.
If anyone has watched the Raise the Flags docu, I taking the glass half full approach in that the 2003 onward Bucs were in a much worse position, cap wise, personnel wise and record wise. JL has done a great job with the cap and with restocking cupboards afrer the SB. Ajy change here on out will be a building block, not a step backwards given the good position we are in. The Bucs HC job should be very attractive. I still believe this team is only a few oeices away from being a contender
January 1st, 2026 at 9:14 pm
Anyone thinking this is a SB contender is out to lunch.
The only time this was a SB contender was when Brady ran the FO and the team.
SMDH.
You people are embarrassing AF. Joe’s…what’s Jason Licht’s record as GM?
Is it a winning record? No? WHAT??? He’s the great Jason Licht!!!!
You people have been conned by JL and Arians. Brady came in and WON.
He’s gone and all that is left is a bunch of losers…Arians…Licht…Bowles…all losers.
January 1st, 2026 at 9:18 pm
Everyone wanted HIM FIRED by about 2018. I mean, EVERYONE. Honestly, even sooner than that! NOW, he gets a total PASS!? Really!? 92-104. Be REAL. It speaks for itself. Then, add to it literally EVERY SINGLE ‘move’ (and non move) ever since the 2024-Draft. That is almost 2-FULL YEARS, now! EVERY ONE of them. HORRIBLE. And, VERY predictable. Ya can’t even name ONE good move.
And you CAN’T count EE as a “good move” either. Not AFTER the ‘re-signing’ of Chris Godwin. They are both tied together, since it was nothing more than a CYA-move. Selling us all on Godwin looking great and all that, all last off-season, and right after PAYING-HIM… It was just ANOTHER flat-out LIE. Only trying to justify the $44-MIL FULLY GUARANTEED that he handed him. But, then immediately, goes and DRAFTS HIS REPLACEMENT!? Makes absolutely, NO SENSE. Unless, you already KNEW THEN, what the hell was up with Godwin! No good GM would ever do that. NOT with all the needs we had on Defense, with the number of holes needed filled. I mean, that’s a huge part of the advantage, and entire point of drafting a TOP-WR on a ‘rookie’ contract… But, HE (Lickt) completely negates that, by throwing away $22-MILLION ($44-MIL TOTAL) on another WR. One, who barely even saw the FIELD, and was a total non factor. THEN, REDDICK. When, hardly anyone on this site wanted him at that point, after the past season. It’s totally incompetent management.
January 1st, 2026 at 9:19 pm
Great article Joe. Maybe David would light up like a youngster if these others decide to ball kinda like a going away party for him. He deserves the others to give him a strong showing to send him off a winner. As for Baker I don’t think he’s got it in him to move the needle. Something is up whether it’s a physical injury or an ego injury. With a prior history of playing through injuries sometimes to the detriment of himself and the team, I think it’s possible he’s playing thru a significant injury. I’m either watching him make poor reads and mid-reads or I’m watching him see the read but can’t make the throw.
January 1st, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Why do we drink?
January 1st, 2026 at 9:31 pm
That $35-MILLION handed to Godwin and Reddick could’ve really gone a loooong way, towards helping this Defense. $35-MIL. All Guaranteed. Hell, by the time Green Bay reworked their agreed to ‘extension and trade’ for Micah Parsons, I don’t even believe that HE counted a full $10-MIL towards this season’s cap. At least we’d then have ‘SOMEONE’ to rebuild this defense around. Cause right now, we have NO ONE. Who then, Winfield Junior, McCollum… Again, Absolutely NO ONE.