The Easy, Expensive Solution
February 12th, 2025
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Things are about to get very interesting around One Buc Place.
There shouldn’t be any debate about Tampa Bay’s most pressing need heading into the 2025 season. The Bucs must find a way to acquire a winning edge because Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey aren’t enough to manufacture a consistent pass rush without help.
A sharper edge is an absolute must, writes Ira Kaufman.
The Bucs also need to address inside linebacker and cornerback, but it all starts up front and Todd Bowles needs a dynamic edge rusher to shake up an embattled defense that posted only seven interceptions last year while allowing the most completions in the league.
Opposing offensive coordinators had a simple approach against the Bucs in 2024: let’s throw, then throw some more.
Despite yielding an average of 4.3 yards per carry, the Buc defense faced only 389 runs — the third-fewest carries in the NFL. In stark contrast, opponents put the ball in the air 630 times, second in the league to Minnesota (637).
The answer is simple — throwing against the Bucs proved to be very effective.
An immobile quarterback like Kirk Cousins shredded the Bucs twice because Tampa Bay’s rush couldn’t place him under duress.
YaYa Diaby has a bright future, but his sack total diminished in Year 2 and the Bucs can’t seriously believe Shaq Barrett is the answer to their edge woes.
Ira expects candid talks.
Something has to give, and it could come down to a serious, candid chat between Jason Licht and the people who sign the checks.
The easy solution is to throw a lot of money at Josh Sweat in free agency. He had a legitimate claim to be named Super Bowl MVP and he’s in the prime of an accomplished career.
The problem is more than half the league is interested in adding a Josh Sweat, giving his agent all the leverage.
Josh Sweat sweepstakes are 3 1/2 weeks away.
Sweat’s a cut above any other free-agent edge rusher, so the Bucs would likely have to win a bidding war.
Should the Bucs prevail in the Sweat sweepstakes, Licht would be ecstatic. He wouldn’t have to forfeit assets and he could enter the draft with a more open approach.
Who says the Bucs are interested in Sweat? I do.
How could they not be? He’s considerably better than anybody coming off the edge on the current roster. If you don’t believe it, just ask Bowles.
If Sweat signs with another team, the Bucs could try to address their edge issues in the draft. Two problems: rookie pass rushers usually struggle. Just ask Chris Braswell. No. 2, this is not a particularly deep draft for QB hunters.
That leaves the trade market, potentially led by Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby and Micah Parsons. Those are four difference makers who could ramp up Bowles’ defensive scheme in terms of aggression.
One or two of those studs may be available … but at what cost? Licht would rather prep for a colostomy than part with premium draft picks.
In this case, we’re talking multiple first-round choices — and maybe more.
That’s not Licht’s style. He’d much rather horde picks than give ’em up. That’s understandable because the Bucs have drafted exceedingly well in recent years.
But Licht could be prodded by ownership to take a big swing.
The Glazers see no reason why the Bucs can’t compete for a championship — if they can materially improve this defense. Licht gets to make the ultimate call, but it’s not easy to push back against the suggestions of your boss.
A deal of this magnitude would absolutely place ownership in a key position of influence. After all, this is not giving up a fifth-rounder for Shaq Mason.
The simple answer is to land the best pass rusher in free agency and keep your draft capital intact. Josh Sweat, come on down and show Mr. Braswell how it’s done in the big leagues.
February 12th, 2025 at 6:50 pm
At least Ira isn’t delusional about Myles.
February 12th, 2025 at 7:02 pm
The wheels fell off the bus last year when Dennis got hurt. Literally not another player on the team to fit that scheme. JJ Russell SEEMED to at the very end, hard to tell
February 12th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Ok, here’s my question. I think we have a consensus among most joebuc commenter’s that Licht has been pretty good in the draft, right? Who then takes the blame for this team getting minimal production out of multiple premium picks across the defensive line over the past four or five years? Vea, Kancey, Tryon, Hall, Diaby, Braswell…..and I might be forgetting more names.
Vea, obviously just a massive dude, not a whole lot of development needed. Kancey, same thing, not much development in the pass rush game needed.
Tryon is low hanging fruit I know, but there’s been zero development. Hall, we keep getting told that he’s improving, but it’s minimal, if any. Diaby flashes, but it’s still too early to say for sure how good he could be.. Braswell looked super green, but he’s a rookie so ill save judgement on him.
So either Licht, who bats almost .1000 on picking offensive lineman, can’t pick defensive linemen to save his life, or Bowles, who would sell out to stop the run against an empty backfield with Dan Marino at QB, can’t/won’t develop defensive end/rush LBers in his scheme, beyond developing them into curl/flat pass defenders.
February 12th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Bring back Godwin, Brederson and Lavonte… throw the bag at Sweat and Baun, draft 2 DBs, a DL and an ILB in first 4 rounds, I would be shocked if the media didn’t put the Bucs near the top of the contender pile and rightfully so.
Likely too much money spent there but a fan couldn’t be mad about that set up heading into the season.
February 12th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
Funny thing is Josh Sweat only had 8 sacks in the regular season…
We all know what’s needed, but unfortunately I don’t see it happening. It’s just not Licht’s style to trade away premium picks, or overpay a player that he didn’t draft himself.
More likely, he’s going go after a backup, part-timer, or perhaps someone a bit older. At best, it will be a 2nd tier pass rusher that won’t require more than a 2nd or 3rd round pick, give or take… So let’s see who might fit that description:
Maybe Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa? Byron Young? Von Miller? All those guys would require a trade though. Odafe Oweh also in his final year of contract with Baltimore, but again, would require a trade.
February 12th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
You’re wrong on the money and cash spent. That’s actually completely feasible by the cap and cash percentage to the cap we’ve been doing. There’s no doubt we can sign them if they will sign here
February 12th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
@gotbucs – that seems like a contradictory post.
He hit on Vea and Kancey. The issue is the edge rushers. Still too early to tell on Braswell and Diaby, though I’d say it looks like Diaby is at best only a #2 option.
So really it’s just JTS and Hall that he missed on.
February 12th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Excellent point Ira about Sweat being a free agent versus some of the other names being trades.
Again, the biggest challenge is Coach Swiss Cheese.
Coach Swiss Cheese has publicly stated on several occasions that the Bucs don’t need an edge rush.
The next few weeks will be very interesting around One Buc Place.
February 12th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
He did go to FSU. Tampa may be high on his list?
February 12th, 2025 at 8:52 pm
So how good is Sweat in pass coverage?
Until Todd changes that B S it doesnt matter what rusher we sign or draft….simple as that.
February 12th, 2025 at 9:01 pm
I’m glad there may be legitimate focus on improving our d line.
It’ll be cool to see what they do.
Thanks Ira! Love your work
February 12th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Our 7 DLinemen (Vea, Kancey, Gaines, Hall, Brewer, Gholston and Greene) had 24 sacks last season. Our 7 OLBs (Diaby, Braswell, JTS, Nelson, Ramirez, Watts, Shaq) only had 12 sacks. Our 5 ILBs (LVD, Britt, Russell, Jones, Dennis) contributed another 7 sacks. Our Secondary also got 3 sacks, for the Bucs total of 46 sacks (which ranked us #7 in the NFL).
Just as a thought, why not beef up the INTERIOR DLINE via the draft. Spend a #2 or #3 draft pick on a starter-quality DT to rotate in with Vea. Over half of our sacks came from our interior guys; add another beast in there and we could do even better. And MAYBE we could cut down on the excessive blitzing because we’d be able to get consistent pressure with a 4-man rush.
February 12th, 2025 at 9:18 pm
Vanessa, right on.
And Coach Swiss Cheese is starting to smell a little like a dead snook. Too bad the head coach doesn’t tell him to fill the holes in his scheme – since he’s the same guy.
February 12th, 2025 at 9:21 pm
Think the call is coming from inside the building here: if we have consistent pressure from the edge, well then we don’t need crazy blitz schemes. If we don’t need crazy blitz schemes then we don’t need Bowles primary skill. Hence it has been and will remain a lower priority.
February 12th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
Ira
If Licht has drafted so exceedingly well then why is this defense so bad and so full of holes, edge rusher being only one of them?
Bucs need to hit free agency hard and get established NFL players and not have to keep gambling on the kids.
Somebody like Sweat or Crosby would also bring some much needed attitude and meanness to that side of the ball which it badly needs
February 12th, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Some great points here. No way Jason doesn’t look at film and realize what the HC needs to tell the DC to do.
So Jason needs to tell both. Should be easy since it’s the same guy.
Let’s go.
February 13th, 2025 at 2:54 am
Nailed it as usual Ira!
Some here and elsewhere seem to think we can just give a couple of guys some Monopoly money and all will be well. Cap money is always….Always a consideration! Jason has a bit of experience with cap trouble. See TB12. We have been very fortunate to have been able to sign our free agents for years because they were willing to restructure their contracts but even that runs out eventually.
Is it time to mortgage ourselves again? I don’t think Jason is ready for that. Could be wrong but… He has to think about the teams future and keep the team as a whole in mind. Tough job. We have other dudes who are gonna want fat contracts. He has to be ready. A bidding war for Sweat? Nah
I don’t know if there is another Shaq out there or not, but I would bet that Jason and company have been doing little else lately besides looking for one.
Go Bucs!
February 13th, 2025 at 5:01 am
I still think Devin White signed to a low dollar two year deal is worth experimenting in a Micah Parsons type of role. If it works, you’ve purchased a two year band aid. If it doesn’t you have depth at MLB.
February 13th, 2025 at 8:31 am
I’m liking the Josh Sweat idea less and less–he’s SURROUNDED by a defense that reminds me of the Steel Curtain. JTS could look good there
February 13th, 2025 at 8:37 am
Sweat had 8 sacks this year. Why break the bank for that? The fastest way to lose is to overpay for mediocrity because you think you’re being frugal. Far better to overpay for excellence. Get Garrett or Hendrickson and enjoy a guy whose worst season would be Sweat’s best.
February 13th, 2025 at 9:53 am
Leonard Floyd I’ve read is a likely cap casualty for SF. Could be had for a low end draft pick or nothing if you wait it out- he’s 32, set to make 10m on an expiring deal. 8.5 Sacks last year. Any thoughts on him? Don’t bite my head off.
February 13th, 2025 at 11:01 am
I like that better
February 13th, 2025 at 11:36 am
Guess I should do more research. Do not throw the bag at 8 sack Sweat !
February 13th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
@unbelievable
You’re right. I guess my point is our interior d-linemen came in not needing much development. Our perimeter guys just don’t seem to get much better once they’re acclimated to the scheme, and almost get worse the longer they’re in it.
As a front office/ownership dilemma then, you have to figure out why this is before any more premium draft picks are used on the position or definitely before ridiculous money is spent on a free agent. If there’s never a return on the investment, then why throw more capital at it?
February 13th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Excellent article by the Sage, making it look easy. I may not necessarily agree with Ira all the time but his artistry with the pen makes it go down smooth. I don’t know much but I do know 2 OU players who are going to be making plays in the NFL for years to come. Inside linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Billy Bowman. Both players have that enthusiasm for the game that more than make up for any slights they may have in measurables. First 2 rounds get some DLine beasts and follow up with these two then finish the draft 5-7 getting best available defenders and we’ll be good.
February 13th, 2025 at 2:40 pm
licht should keep first round draft picks so he can keeps drafting ends likt jts and braswell
February 13th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Any high priced free agent edge would be well served to stay far away from this defense. The Bucs edge players and aren’t supposed to get sacks. If they trade for or sign someone, might as well just pour gasoline on $60 million and set it on fire.
February 13th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
@gotbucs – to that point I completely agree.
It’s hard to know – is it the players (Licht) or the coaching (Bowles)?
Bowles has never developed a pass rusher anywhere he’s been. Now obviously Shaq went off after signing with us, but even Light, Bowles, etc., all admitted they were surprised by that.
That’s why I much prefer us to buy an edge rusher who is already a proven commodity, rather than draft one. (Unless you trade up for a near-lock, a la Jared Verse, etc. But this draft class is weak at that position…)
February 13th, 2025 at 10:42 pm
funny how fsu got denied playoffs last year despite having verse and fiske on that dline . that whole defense was studly.