Jason Licht believed too much in the current version Buccaneers and it closed the Super Bowl window for 2025
The Bucs GM mostly avoided aggressive moves that could’ve made the Bucs a lot better and it’s come back to bite him and the team.
Hands down, Jason Licht is one of the best GMs in the NFL.
But his approach to the 2025 season, while in hindsight, derailed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl expectations.
It’s because he refused to get aggressive and go after the top free agents in March or guys on the trade block like Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, Quinnen Williams, etc. His boldest move *checks notes* came in the form of adding a 31-year-old pass rusher coming off the a drama-filled year that produced little-to-no results. Instead of going after a guy like Parsons, who didn’t cost the Green Bay Packers that much at all when considering what kind of player he is, Licht thought it better to take a risk on a guy like Haason Reddick.
I realize this isn’t Madden and teams can’t just go out and acquire anyone they want. At the same time, though, it’s not like Licht didn’t have the resources to make a move. He has three players in Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., Tristan Wirfs, and Chris Godwin Jr. who have $17+ million base salaries in 2026 that he could’ve restructured to create more 2025 cap room. He wouldn’t have had to “borrow” too much, either, as the Bucs’ 2025 cap is already in a good spot at around $15 million under.
Licht’s motives were clear, but it’s also clear the Bucs need more
Licht believes in his roster and that’s great and fine and all – but he believed in his guys too much, especially at the trade deadline.
It’s easy to see the logic behind the lack of movement, as the Bucs were supposed to get healthier as the season progressed. Still, it’s not like the rest of the roster would just magically stay healthy until those guys returned. That’s simply unrealistic and if it were to happen it’d easily be the exception to the rule.
More guys were going to get hurt, so why not only add insurance, but elite insurance that would not only cover your ass, but elevate your team? Sure, a midseason transaction is a lot different than an offseason transaction as acquired players have a much steeper learning curve because they’re learning on the fly. However, these guys have played football their entire lives and will quickly grasp the concept. Plus, coaching staffs can always bring their new guys along slowly.
In all, Licht missed the boat. Who knows where things would stand now if he went out and grabbed one of the elite guys that were available, but I’m more than willing to bet it’d be a much better situation than the one the Bucs are in, now.
No one is calling for Licht’s job
It’d be silly to say Licht’s seat is even lukewarm, but he really needs to consider some process changes in 2026. I’m not saying he needs to flip it on its head or anything remotely close to that, but some tweaks here and there, as well as some turned-up aggression, would help the Bucs. Especially if they’re serious about contending for a Super Bowl like they were in 2025.
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