All-In …For The Long Haul
March 8th, 2025
GM Jason Licht talks to JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman along the Bucs’ bench.
Joe is in win-now mode when it comes to the Bucs.
The Bucs’ brass is in win-now and win-later mode simultaneously.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht will not sacrifice the future because he believes the foundation for a very bright one already is in place.
And who could argue with Licht on that point? The Bucs’ trenches are damn good and they’ve got a franchise quarterback in his prime with other high-quality talent on the roster.
The lasting contenders of the NFL know how to build a roster for the present at the future. However, Joe still paces the halls of JoeBucsFan world headquarters yearning for Licht to make a couple of bold moves to improve in free agency next week. Joe can’t shake it.
The Bucs won the NFC South by two games last season and lots of Bucs fans were still annoyed.
That speaks to how high the bar is set for this team and how good it could be with a few more additions. (Yeah, Joe is one of those guys who thinks Tampa fans, collectively, are rather savvy.)
Joe understands wanting to be a playoff team every year. It’s been a glorious five-year run that Joe appreciates daily, but that big prize in February is still the ultimate goal.
It’s ok to take bold chances. Fans would back one or two bold Licht moves and, frankly, the NFL is and always has been an entertainment business. That never should be forgotten by the folks at One Buc Palace.
Lavonte David might not have a 2026 season in his body. Mike Evans has 11 years of mileage on his legs. Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield are six-year veterans. Baker Mayfield rightfully will want a fortune of money come 2027.
It sure feels like this is a year to get bold in March and stay smart in April.
Joe trusts Licht to recover brilliantly from a potential salary cap crater. He’s done it before.
The free agency siren goes off Monday at noon.
March 8th, 2025 at 7:19 pm
We should def make a couple of moves on defense. NFC window is wide open.
Love Mayfield but would prefer he cuts down on the turnovers before we offer tier one money.
March 8th, 2025 at 7:38 pm
I keep going on this site to see if they finally sign SOMEBODY. (sigh)
March 8th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Well apparently the Titans just released Landry. The Bucs need to go get him. Players at his position, and age, do become available too often.
March 8th, 2025 at 7:42 pm
Why wait? Grab Landry as he’s already been released!
March 8th, 2025 at 8:03 pm
The 2 times that the Bucs won the Superbowl it was with numerous recent free agent signings.
Just sayin’………..
March 8th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
Several reports that the Patriots, Eagles and Giants are the key teams who’ll be going after Harold Landry. Pats seem to be the favorite because they have lots of money available to spend this year (and Vrabel was his past coach). Wondering now if JL is willing to compete with the big spenders for an Edge.
Agree Joe that the Bucs are in a ‘win-now and win-later mode’. We’ve got the wherewithal to fix our defense in a single year, and be competitive for years to come. Just have to make the right moves.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
Need Landry….as long as hes reasonable….if not, go get Green after Emmanwori, or that Ohio kid Tui olamoui (something like that)…Revel might be available top 10 of 3rd….but if Emmanwori is gone, im def down with drafting Campbell
March 8th, 2025 at 8:24 pm
I prefer “win now and win later”, even if it reduces the odds on a Lombardi Trophy. I’m just not a boom and bust kind of guy.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:26 pm
I like the fact that our brass is smart enough not to destroy the future for one season but now is definitely the time to be a bit aggressive.
Our core is close to aging out, I have a lot of faith Licht will have another good draft, making it 3 in a row. That right there should keep us competitive for a couple years. We have to sign a couple vets to bolster this D.
I am 90% sure Khalil Mack is wearing red and pewter next week. That’s a great start. After that the bank doesn’t need to be broken, we just need a capable ILB and CB that wanna win and open up the draft to BPA options, while also probably doubling down on those FA signing positions.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
You go all in for this year….your 2 “ring of honor” players LVD and Mike Evans are likely have 1 maybe 2 more years of playing at a top 10 level before they either retire or inevitably fall off due to father time….
Pay a premier pass rusher now before you have to break the bank for Mayfield….
Willing to bet that the Bucs will have a few rebuilding years once Mike Evans and LVD are retired so you go all in now.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
10 teams in the league have 3+ Super Bowls.
4 of them haven’t won since the 80s or 90s.
Bucs could be one of those teams with 3, a dominant franchise of the early 21st century, David and Evans could own 2. Let’s go for it right now!
March 8th, 2025 at 8:43 pm
I’m pretty confident Khalil Mack is wearing Bucs colors in a few days.
I know many want Landry and I would be happy with that to but I think Mack is our guy.
That’s a great start. Don’t need to spend big on other players after that but need a competent veteran ILB and CB.
March 8th, 2025 at 8:50 pm
I’m preachin’ at the choir here…
We need an FA edge rusher/DE, and we need to draft one.
Realistically, Landry may be our best FA option, simply because Jason Licht doesn’t give up draft picks for trades. Or, rarely does so.
Fair enough. There’s merit in building a team through the draft.
But, if there was ever a time to go shopping for an edge/DE, this is it.
Do it, Jason!
March 8th, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Cannot lose Chris Godwin. Not thrilled with how this is going. We should be in demand of Chris Godwin more than other team. Chris is special. He’s to our offense like David is to our Defense, like Joe said.
We can’t afford to and don’t won’t to lose #14. Pay the man Glazers.
Get it done JL.
They better not lose him. Especially over a couple million dollars.
Pay Chris Godwin.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:12 pm
Sign Godwin and Landry. Then look at CBs and ILBs you can afford — even if it’s only for depth. I hope Licht is aggressive and can pick up a couple extra day 2 picks.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
This might be my favorite post I’ve ever read on here! It sounded like a true diehard speaking and it got me amped up for the next couple of months! Go Bucs!
March 8th, 2025 at 9:41 pm
Bucs are all about sustainability. 9 wins max per season for the next 5 years! Whoopee!
March 8th, 2025 at 9:45 pm
It IS his job to plan for the future AND win today. I could see a bold move for a pass rusher or a CB, probably not both. And they’re not giving up multiple number one picks. As far as who they’re willing to pay big money, maybe a pass rusher, but they will not go to the 25-30 mil level with an external free agent. No way. Making mistakes at that price tag sinks your organization. I’m happy with the approach Licht has taken. 2 years ago they were drowning in 80 million in dead cap. Stay the course.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
Winfield needs a contract adjustment
March 8th, 2025 at 9:50 pm
@Jeff,
Let us know when you have something worthwhile to say.
March 8th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
“yearning for Licht to make a couple of bold moves to improve in free agency next week. Joe can’t shake it.”
Joe, that sir, is your understatement of the year.
Something I agree with though Joe. We need a couple of big FA signings. Not just rentals for this year either. Guys who can help now and later!
Go Bucs!
March 8th, 2025 at 10:11 pm
Obvious says let’s get real the turnovers r not all on baker he was the top tier in the NFL this past season he already earned top tier pay u people r morons!!!!
March 8th, 2025 at 10:13 pm
Just remember. A thud off the goalpost beat us against the Commanders. A very strong team who almost got to the Super Bowl. And I think we were the better team. A defense that was one of the NFLs best in the second half of the season. Lions getting worse at end of season and we were getting better. We’d have smoked the Lions. I think between Bowles and Baker we had Phillys number. We’d have smoked the Eagles. Guys like Winfield, McCollum, Tykee, Kancey and Yaya on our defense and we are getting old? Win now? Hell, that’s what we’re doing. The team knows they need a few more pieces on defense. A little more depth. See Defense Rules Beasts needed when Vea needs a breather. Let’s not get too caught up with our negatives right now. Let’s just keep accentuating the positives. And for craps sake let’s get us an “edge rusher”. All football fans like to see the opposing QB with a dirty uniform. Especially dirty pants. The backside of the pants.
March 8th, 2025 at 11:11 pm
I am for getting a premier pass rusher in free agency.
I am also good for the Bucs not getting a premium pass rusher in free agency.
There are lots of ways to win in the NFL – that seems to keep being ignored on this site.
How many of the past 5 Super Bowl Champions had an edge rusher with 10 sacks in that season. I believe the answer is zero.
So the statement that all the top teams have premier edge guys seems a little off.
Nick Bosa has not won a super bowl.
Trey Hendrickson has not won a super bowl.
Khalil Mack has not won a super bowl.
Joey Bosa has not won a super bowl.
Harold Landry has not won a super bowl.
TJ Watt has not won a super bowl.
Max Crosby has not won a super bowl.
Brian Burns has not won a super bowl.
Miles Garrett has not won a super bowl.
I am not saying that one cannot pine for an edge pass rusher.
But there is all kinds of evidence that you can win the biggest game of the year without that edge guy.
March 9th, 2025 at 12:02 am
A full time defensive coordinator over the last three seasons and the Bucs would have 6 to 8 more wins at least. Even if it was Todd. The numerous errors in all three phases , especially during game critical moments, says all anyone with open ears needs to hear. Upgrading players is always a priority, and nice to pull off.
The time is now for upgrades in coaching performance on the pass defense and pass rush to become visible, scheme, technique, play calling, “communication” — as someone said, “If you’re thinking too much, maybe you’ve got too much to think about.”
March 9th, 2025 at 4:16 am
Garret for this years 1st. And Rashad White and Dean.
March 9th, 2025 at 6:07 am
Teacherman, I’ve got a better idea. Why not let Garrett be the top dog he thinks he is in Cleveland? He was the Browns first pick in 2017. Baker was the Browns first pick in 2018. Garrett had his chance to defend Baker but instead acted like a butthurt little boy because Baker had the star power in Cleveland. I truly believe that Garrett, Stefanski, and GM Berry were all uncomfortable with Baker being the kind of leader he was. Those guys have won one total playoff game in their career. When Baker and his offense hung 48 on the Steelers. Now Garrett whines that he can’t win in Cleveland. Talk about throwing your organization under the bus. Mayfield wouldn’t do that. Maybe we could trade Mayfield for Garrett? How about that Teacherman?
March 9th, 2025 at 6:40 am
Aqualung … The second BA retired and Todd Bowles got dual-hatted as the HC AND DC I started writing that that was a bad idea (I don’t like dual-hatting). Haven’t changed my position over the years, so we both agree 100% on that. I know of at least 1 person who disagrees with both of us: Todd Bowles. Doesn’t appear that he’s about to give up his DC hat any time soon.
I’ve resigned myself to that: TB is gonna be the DC. That wasn’t the case up in New York (Kacey Rodgers was his DC) and their defense stunk after the 1st year. Got a hunch that memory is a driving factor in TB’s thought process. Plus I’m convinced that he absolutely loves designing and calling plays (not that anyone will see that on his facial expressions).
Be that as it may, Todd’s done a nice job as DC when we had top talent (guys like Vea, Suh, JPP, Shaq, LVD, White, Winfield, etc). Once we lost some of those beasts (Suh, JPP, etc) and replaced them with guys like Hicks, JTS, etc our defense wasn’t nearly as good. Some starters weren’t nearly as beastly, and a lot of depth simply wasn’t there (we ‘went young’ & it takes time to develop youth).
We’re finally in a position this year to make substantial changes to our defense. Will we? Danged if I know, because as of right now we’ve made … oh ya, none. We have several starting holes (MLB, Edge, CB in my book), plus lack of depth (pick a position group). Still, with free agency and the draft to help us, I’m hopeful that we can fix this defense in 1 year and make a play for the Super Bowl.
March 9th, 2025 at 7:08 am
Trade this years 1st & next year’s 2nd and fo get trey frigging Henderson!
I’m pretty sure they will get a DE with this year’s first pick & I’m not sure we can draft food ones . Not to mention as Joe says , they usually take a year to get going anyways . Go get trey
March 9th, 2025 at 7:14 am
By my count, we lost 4 games last year that a competent defense would have allowed us to win, need to fix this. Vita aging out, ME13, Godwin….need to fix this
March 9th, 2025 at 7:19 am
I think it all depends on what a player wants.
If a player just wants a big payday, not matter how good he is, the Bucs have no chance to get him, and likely should not want to get him
If a player wants a respectable pay check on a team that can compete to win a ring, the Bucs have a chance
We have a very favorable organization at least .
March 9th, 2025 at 9:10 am
The point Licht is making and has made over the past few weeks is they arent trading draft picks and they arent worried about winning this year and arent going to break the bank on FA’s.
They are in “ascending” mode which is one step about “rebuild”.
They are (re)building to win later.
They arent going to say they dont want to win now, they have to sell tickets.
People should take the hints that JL has clearly dropped in terms of expectations.