ESPN: Name A Better GM Than Jason Licht
October 16th, 2024
“Look Kaufman, I don’t want to read your smack. Yeah, I’ve got receipts from when you wanted me fired. Kiss my Super Bowl ring! Now let’s get a beer.”
Well, color Joe surprised. When have you read/heard someone from the four-letter hype a Bucs type as the NFL’s best?
That’s what happened when Joe read the latest from Ben Solak of BSPN. Posed with a question about Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht being a sneaky good general manager, Solak responded, good luck finding a general manager with so many base hits (home runs?) the past five years.
That’s right. Solak typed no NFL suit has been on a roll like Licht since he lured Tom Brady out of chilly, freezing New England to the warm shores of Tampa Bay.
From Steve: “One aspect of the Bucs that I rarely see talked about is the job that Jason Licht has done in a decade or so running the team. I think he’s sneakily been one of the best GMs in football over that time, am I way off base here?”
Absolutely not. There isn’t a general manager who has been on a better draft-and-develop run than Licht over the past five years. Here’s an absolute bananas stat for you: Twenty-one different Buccaneers took a snap on defense against the Saints on Sunday. Seventeen of them were drafted by Licht at some point in the past decade, and two of the other four were drafted before Licht’s time in Tampa Bay. Only Greg Gaines’ 21 snaps and C.J. Brewer’s nine snaps were brought from outside the Buccaneers family.
And remember, they’re not doing this with elite picks. Key contributions have come this season from Tykee Smith, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Yaya Diaby, SirVocea Dennis, Rachaad White, Cade Otton and Zyon McCollum. Every player I just named was drafted in Rounds 3-5 of the past three drafts.
It’s always important to remember that general managers get hot, which means they can also get cold. But the Buccaneers were supposed to suffer a long recovery from the all-in Tom Brady era, and they’ve largely sidestepped it as a product of excellent drafting from Licht. Hats off to him.
Yeah, the past five years (2020-2024) have been fantastic for Licht. But Joe would suggest Licht’s run began in 2018.
Back in the spring of 2018 Licht must have inhaled one too many drinks at the combine in Indianapolis (famous for NFL suits gathering late-night for drinks). Because Licht loosened up and began talking turkey with then-Giants shotcaller Dave Gettleman to acquire veteran edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul. Licht got him for a measly third-round pick.
Way too often, general managers treat second- and third-day draft picks like buried treasure. Sometimes obsessively so.
When Licht back in 2018 decided to trade an otherwise forgettable draft pick (some previous notable third-round picks this century include Nate Webster, Myron Lewis and Maurice Stovall) for a proven veteran at a critical position, it set off a domino reaction of success the Bucs are still enjoying.
Look at every Bucs third-round pick this century and you could argue only four or five had any sort of lasting impact in the NFL. Maybe.
So Licht traded away a pick that perhaps 20 percent of the time turns into a stud for a proven edge rusher at a defense’s most important position. Do the Bucs win a Super Bowl without JPP? Joe is inclined to say, no.
A year after stealing JPP, Licht talks Bucco Bruce Arians out of retirement. The next year, here comes Tom Brady and, as the old saying goes, now you know the rest of the story.
Licht’s run the past five years has been incredible. But Joe would argue his hitting streak began when he robbed the Giants of JPP.
All for a friggin’ third-round pick.
October 16th, 2024 at 7:14 am
He better Hire Coen as HC this year to keep him around, he’s the future. If we let him walk in favor of Bowles I’m going to vomit. Have them be both HC, on defense one offense. WE CANNOT LET COEN LEAVE AT ALL COSTS
October 16th, 2024 at 7:16 am
Didn’t know Solak went to ESPN. I miss his pods with Trevor sikema. That was peak draft nonsense.
October 16th, 2024 at 7:16 am
I don’t question decisions our GM makes. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of the top three in the game. If he keeps this up, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame. Get one more super bowl, and it’s a lock. People criticizing him on this board are just clowns.
I particularly enjoy it when people say he better do this, or if he knew what was good for him, he would do that. As if these people knew more than he does. Give me a break LOL
October 16th, 2024 at 7:24 am
Yes, I am thankful for Jason Licht. After all, we could have ended up with a GM like Trent Baalke.
October 16th, 2024 at 7:27 am
Hire Coen as HC and Saleh as DC and we go undefeated
October 16th, 2024 at 7:37 am
CLEARLY Solak didn’t consult with the members of this forum!
October 16th, 2024 at 7:55 am
OZZIE NEWSOME!đ
October 16th, 2024 at 7:55 am
MARK DOMINIK!đ
October 16th, 2024 at 8:07 am
The whole front office seems to be one of the best in the league. Only real mistakes imo was the drafting of Winston and Aguayo (though I understand why he made both decisions) and then the handling of the transition from Arians to Bowles.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:16 am
I’ve been trumpeting Licht’s prowess as a GM for years. Nice to see he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves. All GMs make mistakes, Licht included; and focusing too much on his misses blinds you from his body of work. He’s our MVP.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:32 am
Licht has been the best GM this team has ever had. I went back yesterday too look at every draft pick this team has ever done and man so many drafts ended up with busts. It wasn’t until about Licht 3rd or 4th draft where he really started nailing it. Glad we have him its the reason we have been competitive for the last 5 years.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:33 am
Who’s KCs GM??? Nuff said
October 16th, 2024 at 8:40 am
Joe, what are your thoughts on the Best Bucs GM: Licht vs GM McKay?
Is it close?
October 16th, 2024 at 8:46 am
Currently it is Richie McKay. He drafted four Hall of Famers.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:47 am
He could improve by drafting guys who play more than 8-9 games a season.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:52 am
49’ers and Chiefs have been pretty darn good, but not taking anything away with Licht.
BTW, everyone keeps talking about Coen becoming a head coach next year. You ever think that maybe he does not want that right now? I say that Canales went into the deep end and barely knows how to swim. Hopefully Coen, stays and succeeds Bowles, but he should bide his time and take the right HC job, just not any HC job.
Coen is a far superior OC coordinator than the unimaginative Canales.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:55 am
@DavidBigBucsFan99:
Whoâs KCs GM??? Nuff said
KC’s GM is run by committee so Roger Goodell and the Referees.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:57 am
But he’s not a “Rockstar” …
I like Licht but the overall record does not make him a top 5 GM. We are a good team with a coaching deficiency
Can’t get too excited about this team when going against better teams they will be out coached every time
Payton with a weaker roster coached circles around Todd Blows, going against Harbaugh (both of them) Reid Shannahan will not be pretty for Todd.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:58 am
Licht should be charged with Grand Theft for signing Sean Tucker last season as an undrafted free agent.
October 16th, 2024 at 8:58 am
Weâre surprised that the Bucs are being hyped this week on BSPN? Really? MNF. The shills are out.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:02 am
Enough with the glory days. He won a Super Bowl with key free agents gronk, Brady, Shaq, JPP. Go get a pass rusher, you draft you donât develop. I wonât bash today youâve built a great roster but why keep waiting to strike gold in the mid late rounds hoping for a true pass rusher. Nobody developed, Wirfs, Winfield, Kancey. If that were true then JTS and Logan hall would have long been contributors. Your roster is ready to compete for a deep run dude
October 16th, 2024 at 9:18 am
Yes, JPP! 100% about Jason and not all elite players. He has the mindset of what to really look for. He is the best!
October 16th, 2024 at 9:41 am
JMac is unfortunately looking like another 3rd-round dud right now.
Hopefully, he turns it arrive and starts loving up to some of that preseason hype.
Man, he looks scared out and they’re and he implodes every time the ball comes his way.
Is he our new Kenny Bell or what?
I wish him the best, but he needs to stay playing better asap.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:58 am
@Erik
Calling a WR a bust after a month? Through his first 4 games McMillen has 3 catches for 59 yards. Godwin in his first 4 games had 4 catches for 52 yards. Unless you’re Mike Evans or Malik Nabors, etc it takes time for most WR’s to get comfortable.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:10 am
JMAC has had 5 games. Super premature to call him a bust.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:51 am
What better GM? Where? And I liked Rich McKay, too. In Licht I trust!!
October 16th, 2024 at 10:55 am
Completely agree. JTS stands out as a bust, but thatâs the only real big miss in that time period. Weâll see about Logan Hall⌠he might finally be turning the corner this year.
There are still a few GMs Iâd rank above Licht, like John Lynch. But heâs def a top-5 GM in the league. My only real critique of him is he does sometimes seem too content to roll into the season with a glaring known weakness he didnât address (pass rusher this year, o-line last year).
October 16th, 2024 at 11:27 am
Licht is so far and away the best GM in team history, there is no competition. As the story rolled, it was Sam Wyche who told little McKay to draft Sapp and Brooks, and likely had a big influence on drafting Lynch.
McKay wanted to hire Marvin Lewis. Malcolm forced him to get Gruden, which is when McKay turned coat and quietly began courting Atlanta. Obvious that Gruden would consider McKay for what he was – a stuffed corporate suit. Two years later McKayâs sitting in RJS wearing the Falcons colors.
He should never be mentioned in the same breath as Licht.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:40 am
Being a rather new Buccaneers fan it appears that this GM has top talent working with him. Itâs more they than him that have constructed this humble, hungry, young squad. Thatâs what makes a great leader. Sounds like he has 2 or 3 men or women who could step into his job. A great staff starts with a great leader. Once weâve won a couple of championships post Brady I reckon theyâll all get the recognition they deserve and thatâs not knocking Brady.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:49 am
I wouldn’t disagree with you. I have always thought the JPP acquisition was the best personnel move that Licht ever pulled off. It’s a shame he hasn’t done something similar to acquire another edge rusher since.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:52 am
Jason Licht is the most OVERRATED GM in NFL history
And y’all can take that to the bank and deposit it
October 16th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
The Bucs are 79-90 during Jason Licht tenure here
They had two great seasons, and it wasn’t because of Licht
Tom Brady was responsible for those two great seasons
October 16th, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Bucs need to use their franchise tag on Coen. Honestly, there needs to be a league minimum for coaches to stay with their team before moving on – else there needs to be a draft compensation.
October 16th, 2024 at 1:01 pm
Licht evolved and matured as a general manager. We will know what he accomplished at the end of his tenure. I love what he has done so far. The franchise remains relevant. That is something different from previous peaks.
In licht I trust. Go Bucs!
October 16th, 2024 at 1:02 pm
^^^^^^
why gm look mad af in the pic…?…lol
and about to go upside the noggin of ole ira with that right handerooski…
but then again it’s just a pic…
ira gotta watch out…remember when pedro martinez went wild on ole don zimmer…
if not just google it…red sox vs. yankees beef
October 16th, 2024 at 1:06 pm
i’m gonna stick to my guns on this one…
the moment big dog licht got rid of the ron burgundy sports coat, he was on his way…
ever since the day he dropped it off at goodwill, he became a stud gm…
there was no looking back after he made that big time executive decision đ
October 16th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
HIRE JOHN BLUTARSKI AS HEAD COACH.
.
(After all, he was a Senator and went then onto the Whitehouse.)
October 16th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Bucs fans believe anything even with mediocre win/loss records. Donât talk about what Jason licht does in the draft until he wins with his draft picks not with free agents. Baker mayfield is a free agent
I wonder why he didnât roll with Kyle Trask keep wolford then draft another quarterback since heâs so good. Heâs a middle of the pack gm just like the Bucs yearly record without Brady.
October 16th, 2024 at 3:52 pm
Can we kindly get pass the Methusaleh12 Brady worship on here?? Only reason he showed up is cos the 49ers, etc. turned down his wrinkled arse. Bucs still had to walk the salary cap plank to pay him. He would never have won that SB if it wasnât for the fact that Tampa Bay has assembled their best OVERALL team in franchise history!! Bradyâs allegiance is to So. CA and NE Patriots. Get real, so-called âBucs fans.â Jason Licht is a big reason why this Bucs team is no longer the Clown Princes of the NFL. If that phrase confuses you, go look up their history!!
October 16th, 2024 at 3:53 pm
The very definition of a winning culture….. It takes time to develop and build talent both at the executive administration level and in the scouting department the fruit of the labor is beginning to be harvested all good stuff. I hope the glaciers lock him up for a long time Jason licht is worth his weight in gold
October 16th, 2024 at 8:29 pm
McKay does have 4 HOF players heâs drafted. Jason has 1 for sure in Evans. I think wifs and Winfield go as well so Jason might have 3
October 16th, 2024 at 9:34 pm
To win in spite of being forced to draft Lovie’s list for the first two year, and then to hire Dirk because of Jameis….BA is the only true coaching hire Jason has made. Then Todd was forced on him.
Pretty stout when you can draft talent at the bottom of the order that replenishes your base while winning division titles. The talent is there for this team to win 11 or 12.
Can Todd do it? Mixed results so far with the gauntlet coming. If the Bucs do an “oh-fer” there is only one reason why.
Jason has his list. Hope he doesn’t have to use it — but this will require a renaissance on defense of such epic proportions only a coach of the year candidate could pull it off.
Todd — here’s your chance.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:08 pm
jpp and suh were 50% of that super bowl d
October 16th, 2024 at 10:35 pm
đ
Thanks Joe.
October 17th, 2024 at 9:39 am
Imo, one of JL’s best pick(up) is Izien. Sure, there are better players and stronger athletes on the team, but this kid has had his finger in the dam since joining the team. He has filled in for every porous DB injury, filled the cleats of our all pro safety, and manned the slot as a rookie,, all while learning Bowles’ confusing system on the fly. He may not have the stats, he might be smallish, he’ll NEVER end up with a bust in Canton, but this guy has stepped up at every call and plays solid. Before the darling du jour, Tucker, was picked up un drafted, there was Izien
October 17th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
They were actually picked up the same yr, Izien just has been contributing longer