Jason Licht Prefers QB Without “Outside Worries And Concerns”
August 26th, 2024
Last decade, the Bucs’ starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, had off-the-field issues and eventually was labeled a sex offender by the NFL.
The Bucs responded to that shocking day for fans with two sentences from an unnamed team source.
Fast forward to 2022, and the Bucs had their star quarterback, Tom Brady, take a long hiatus from training camp while a lot of mystery surrounded his exit.
Last August, Tampa Bay’s top-dog QB Baker Mayfield filed legal paperwork in an effort to recover his missing eight-figure fortune that might have been misdirected by a family member. Mayfield also was stuck in a quarterback battle for the entire 2023 offseason.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prefers a quarterback with a clear mind, he told the Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast recently.
And Licht said he thinks he’s getting one this year in Mayfield.
Interestingly, Licht seemed to reference Brady and Winston (or Josh McCown?) while explaining that the table seems set for Mayfield to build on his Pro Bowl 2023 season.
“I think it all plays a big part when a quarterback’s mind is free of outside, you know, things — worries and concerns and all those things,” Licht said. “We’ve seen it here. It makes a big difference. You know, [Mayfield] had a few things going on in the past. Right now, I think he’s feeling pretty good.”
Joe has every reason to believe Mayfield is poised to have his best NFL season.
In addition to being 29 years old with a new contract and the complete faith of the Bucs organization, Mayfield’s offensive line should be improved and there’s no way the Bucs will have a third consecutive season ranking last in the NFL in rushing. Right?
August 26th, 2024 at 10:16 am
Right
August 26th, 2024 at 10:24 am
Expecting big things outta this guy this year
No excuses
Super Bowl or Bust
Also please don’t get embarrassed by a rookie QB WEEK 1
August 26th, 2024 at 10:24 am
Legal action against your family over handling or misappropriation of 12 million dollars would certainly constitute an outside distraction………..
August 26th, 2024 at 10:27 am
Man….. life happens there will always be something so like Mike Tomlin says no excuses no explanations!!!! That’s why you get paid the big Bucs lol
August 26th, 2024 at 10:34 am
I think Licht makes an excellent point. A clear mind can focus on what is in front of you. With a much improved Oline, running game, better 3a and 3b WRs, Baker could have a incredible year.
August 26th, 2024 at 10:58 am
Spot on Joe. Spot on.
LFG
August 26th, 2024 at 11:00 am
Did he ever file a suit against his father and brother for misappropriation of his fortune?
August 26th, 2024 at 11:04 am
The center and the left guard seem to be much better than last seasons disaster.
August 26th, 2024 at 11:10 am
Last off-season Baker discovered his father and brother stole $10M from him. He had to file a lawsuit against them. That’s not a distraction?
August 26th, 2024 at 11:20 am
SlyPirate reread the article. Licht and Joe say that Bakers family situation was a distraction.
I like this comfortable Licht who lays some (clearly not all) of his thoughts to media types. Not just the typical cliches.
August 26th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Licht is right on point. Look at the league and some of the other QBs distractions. We are in a worry-free zone with Baker this season.
August 26th, 2024 at 11:51 am
Whatever’s going on with his family and the?
Missing ten million dollars. Has not even come up in the paper anymore. Been more news about their new baby. Is more news about the new contract. More news about him staying away from the hiring of the offensive coordinator. And with all the things going on last year and considering this season he had. He really handled everything really well. . So look for another good season. But I must say that everybody wants to win the super bowl. But no offensive takes a lot of work to get there. Let’s get through the first ten or twelve games and see where we’re at.
August 26th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
It’s certainly true for me. I figure it probably is for most people, NFL QBs or otherwise.
August 26th, 2024 at 12:08 pm
In addition to cleaning up his on field problems, his financial off field problems there is something else that is going to change Baker in his growth as a person.
Actually it’s not something is another human being!!!
Baker and his wife, Emily, recently welcomed a daughter into the world named Kova Jade. KJ or whatever they choose to call her will give Baker a huge shift in perspective and for the better. When another human becomes more important than yourself it’s always good whether it’s your mate or children.
I’m rooting for Baker this year on many levels.
August 26th, 2024 at 1:06 pm
What Jarred said!
August 26th, 2024 at 1:07 pm
And his home life seems to be in a great place, new child and all.
August 26th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
StPete, that was a great post.
August 26th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
Of course, $10 million seems like alot of money when you are making less than that.
I would imagine the perspective changes when you are making $30 million.
August 26th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
But but but, what does MBD think????????
August 26th, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Winston hasn’t changed. He’s still a big stupid immature clown.
August 26th, 2024 at 2:51 pm
“Mayfield also was stuck in a quarterback battle for the entire 2023 offseason.: – Joe
That’s not true at all. He could have thrown 2 picks a game and Bowles would have stuck with him.
He was the planned starter last year…from the moment he was signed.
August 26th, 2024 at 2:56 pm
Joes
Your political bias is obvious in those you allow and those you delete.
August 26th, 2024 at 2:56 pm
Actually, an ad was blocking the submit comment button and I had to refresh to change the ad so I could comment
August 26th, 2024 at 2:57 pm
And my other post is gone, lol
August 26th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
Sent you an email Joe, with a screen capture
August 26th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Perhaps Baker should manage his own money! Regardless , the taking of the Millions probably makes for fun conversations at Thanksgiving dinner . Baker had no idea he was MC Hammer broke
August 26th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Big year for KT upcoming
August 26th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
stpetebucfan – Excellent comment!