Jason Licht Explains “The Truth” He Shared With Hasson Reddick
March 21st, 2025
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht opened up on last week’s signing of edge rusher Haason Reddick.
In short, the Bucs got their man, Licht said, but he also made it clear that the former Pro Bowler found the right place in Tampa.
Licht joined WDAE radio last night and was asked if Reddick was his first choice edge rusher.
“Well, he was,” Licht replied. “He’s such a freak, freak athlete and he really knows how to get after the quarterback.
“And, you know, [50] sacks in four years — just one year removed from that string that he had where he was an elite guy — and during the [2024] season, it was just kind of a bizarre year for him as he explained with the Jets. But when we knew that he was going to be a free agent, and we had talked several times internally that if he hits free agency or when he does, that this guy might be something that’s worth, you know, betting on. Because he’s going to be very hungry to prove to everybody that he is still the same player that he was before last year.”
The GM reiterated that Reddick is driven.
“He’s very, very determined to prove to everybody that last year was a fluke, that he’s still the same player,” Licht said. “He’s a great guy. He’s going to be a great fit. He can already sense what the locker room is like. And he’s just one of those guys that you like to be direct with.
“He likes to hear the truth. And the truth was, ‘Hey, you’re going to love your team, you’re going to love your teammates, and we have a history here of rewarding people after they come in on these one-year, prove-it deals. And there’s a chance that we can do that here with you.'”
It’s easy to cheer the Reddick signing. First, he represents a huge upgrade from Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. And while studying Reddick’s Jets film might make fans queasy, he’s a proven commodity and the Bucs’ risk is low.
If they even get, say, 8 sacks plus a good postseason from Reddick, he’ll end up being a steal of a signing on a one-year, $14 million contract.
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March 21st, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Great signing and I think he will end up being here past the 2025 season.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:13 pm
If he had a broken leg he would be an upgrade from the Fred Astire dance instructor JTMs.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:15 pm
I wonder is Jason had to tell him that Todd will drop him in pass coverage more often than have him rush the passer.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:20 pm
Sure he is a good signing. I predict he will do well. But, we need another one for backup. I have zero confidence that we will draft another rusher that will show in first year. Look at JTS and numerous can’t misses like Noah Spence.
WE shower them with praise. That doesn’t work and then they are gone without a trace.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:21 pm
An empty roster spot would be a huge upgrade over Jill Tryon.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:22 pm
And, Braswell is on the clock!
March 21st, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Joe … ‘If they even get, say, 8 sacks plus a good postseason from Reddick, he’ll end up being a steal of a signing on a one-year, $14 million contract.’
Uhhh, no, not really. I’d be disappointed if I signed a $14 mil OLB and he only produced 8 sacks. Heck, Ya Ya has 12 sacks in 2 years … 6 sacks per year average … and he’s only making $1.4 mil a year, 10% of what Reddick is. Sorry Joe, but I expect any of our OLBs making $14 mil a year to be in double-digit sacks. And the more the better.
March 21st, 2025 at 6:40 pm
Fire todd
March 21st, 2025 at 6:53 pm
DR
A rising tide raises all boats.
You of all people on this site I would expect to recognize the power of teamwork. The extra manpower assigned to keep him in check will now no longer be guarding YaYa, or Vea, or Kancey, or Hall, or whomever we have on the field with him.
If the overall sacks go up by double digits, especially with less blitzing, I’d say he did his job.
And we will see the difference in our defensive production all around.
Then again, I just took a big hit of Hopium, so…..
March 21st, 2025 at 7:15 pm
Eight is Not enough…..
March 21st, 2025 at 7:18 pm
Reddick is going to be a great cover edge rusher in Bowles defense. Can’t wait to see how many picks he gets.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:19 pm
We were #7 in the NFL in sacks with JTS and Hall.
Reddick is a huge upgrade over JTS.
Braswell and Nelson are excellent backups.
We just need to replace Hall with a DE who can stop the run AND get sacks.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:34 pm
Draft another pass rusher
Can’t win a championship without pass rushers
March 21st, 2025 at 7:49 pm
Teacherman …’We just need to replace Hall with a DE who can stop the run AND get sacks.’
Rather than ‘replace Hall’ I’d much rather have a beastly DT/NT to rotate in with Vea. Our interior DLine is too light when Vea’s not in there. More consistent interior pass rush opens up all kinds of new possibilities everywhere.
Besides, Hall’s improving. He had the same number of def snaps in 2024 (543) that he had in 2023 (539), but his sacks rose from 0.5 in 2023 to 5.5 in 2024. If he improves at that rate in 2025 he’ll be in double-digit sacks.
March 21st, 2025 at 7:51 pm
gp … Just chiding Joe that his expectations for Reddick are too low at 8 sacks. I have no doubt that Reddick’s own expectations for this year are MUCH higher than that.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:00 pm
How about a DT/NT like Done Walker on day 2? Hall is progressing but I would like to another versatile manbeast in the rotation.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:26 pm
If Riddick gets us 8 sacks in the regular season and helps us win in the playoffs, he’s most definitely a steal at 12 million with 2 million in incentives.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:26 pm
Hall is now maybe a top 40-45% DE in the NFL, I can live with that
March 21st, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Would like to have another
March 21st, 2025 at 8:33 pm
Fred Astaire dance instructor JTS- classic
March 21st, 2025 at 10:14 pm
That extra pressure is gonna mean some nice safety blitzes from aw…
March 21st, 2025 at 11:08 pm
There’s not another Suh…..but trying to emulate his second cousin once removed is what this D needs. Gaines is solid but we need more than solid beef next to Vita.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:15 pm
DR
Yeah, I was just kidding you too.
And I agree, Reddicks expectations are much higher.
Of course, his expectations for a big payday will be back next year too.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:28 pm
Hall is a DT, not an end. His sacks have gone up and he’s a run stuffer. Vea is a beast. Chancey is special. Hall is a solid starter and rotational guy but based on his draft pick number, should be better than he is. We’ll see what we get this year with Hall… 4-6 sacks is solid for him, but let’s keep our run defense top 5.
So is 8 sacks okay for Reddick if he gets 3+ ints in coverage?
I jest of course and expect dbl digit sacks min from him.
March 21st, 2025 at 11:50 pm
Get off Braswell’s case. Way too soon. Any great time needs a ton of depth anyway, so Braswell still can get plenty of chances next season.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:38 am
“KABucs Says:
March 21st, 2025 at 11:28 pm
Hall is a DT, not an end.”
Depth chart says otherwise. Distinction with a different tho
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:53 am
Add Suh as a coach to give this team some grit.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:56 am
Hall will probably take over the Will Gholson role,if they don’t bring Big Will back. That’s big shoes to fill,IMO. Very good Teammate, who ha been a solid glue guy.
March 22nd, 2025 at 7:44 am
He’s a solid 8 sack guy. Definitely an upgrade from JTS.
March 22nd, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Our distinguished AC-DC Loving general manager showing once more why the TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS are TOP TEAM in the NFL &no longer a laughing stock GO BUCES !!!! FIRE THE CANNONS!!!!
March 22nd, 2025 at 12:41 pm
I would get some insurance on Reddick and get another DE in the draft just in case. If Reddick has a great season with us on his one yr deal? He is going to demand big bucks the following year. So have a replacement lined up just in case.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:41 pm
I swear you Bucs fans could have a golden butt hole and complain because it’s not made out of platinum.
March 22nd, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Most vets we’ve signed on defense seem to be immune to TBRS (Todd Bowles Regression Syndrome). Maybe he can also help the source of the syndrome stop ultra soft confused no coverage pass defense.
March 22nd, 2025 at 4:41 pm
“Look at JTS and numerous can’t misses like Noah Spence.”
Noah Spence was having a fantastic rookie campaign until he injured his shoulder. Which he then injured again when he returned, and that finished his career.
Who are these other “numerous can’t misses” you speak of?
I don’t recall anyone saying that about JTS. Are we going all the way back to someone like Adrian Clayborn lol? That was over a decade ago, and a different GM. Truth is we haven’t spent many premium picks on DE/OLBs, unless I’m forgetting someone.