Jason Licht’s Comments On NFC South QBs Should Have Been A Tip To His Free Agent Shopping List
March 14th, 2025
Defending NFC South QBs.
Later today, the Bucs are supposed to trot out new edge rusher Hasson Reddick for the local pen and mic club. Joe probably still won’t believe the Bucs got an edge rusher until actually seeing Reddick on a football field.
If Joe wasn’t so jaded by the lack of pass rushers since Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett were healthy, Joe should have seen a signing of an edge rusher coming by Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht’s own words at the combine last month in Indianapolis.
Licht noted how young NFC South quarterbacks are a big topic at One Buc Palace.
“We’ve been talking about this a lot,” Licht said. “In Carolina, Bryce Young really came on this year and showed why he was such a coveted pick. We think [Michael] Penix is a really good quarterback, a dynamic quarterback. He’s got a really good arm and is a smart guy.
“[Young NFC quarterbacks are] keeping everybody on their edge. We have to continue to not just remain competitive but try to stay ahead.”
And what better way to stay ahead and stay competitive against rising young quarterbacks? Get after their ass with a pass rush.
Joe believes Reddick won’t just have a rebirth in Tampa Bay, he will make the Bucs’ pass rush across the line better.
March 14th, 2025 at 7:09 am
We can only hope that Reddick is the missing piece to a pass rush. Having our Db’s play 20 yards back isn’t the answer….
March 14th, 2025 at 7:09 am
Resdick will be dropping into coverage most of the time, he’s been signed to cover Chris Olave.
March 14th, 2025 at 7:14 am
Reddick will make the pass rush across the line better which will make the entire defense better.
When an NFL QB isn’t threatened with a pass rush that makes the job of the defensive backs so much harder.
The Bucs have made some backup QBs look like the second coming of Joe Montana. Hopefully those days are over.
March 14th, 2025 at 7:29 am
We really need to invest in depth on defense.
DE/DT.
ILB.
CB.
Draft 2 of each and one OG/C and I’ll be happy.
March 14th, 2025 at 7:32 am
This smells a lot like the Shaq signing all those years ago, kind of under the radar and a great prove it deal for maximum motivation
I bet he goes off this year trying to earn one last big pay day and I hope he does and pulls a Godwin and stays
BTW, man to man, I wish Godwin would of took the money, 20 Mill is a lot bro, I appreciate you coming back but I’m also interested in what’s best for you my man
March 14th, 2025 at 7:34 am
Joe – Agree w your take on Reddick as should elevate all levels of our D if he can still bring heat off the edge. What about other vet OLB depth still in the FA bin? Any word on Shaq? I know you said Dante Fowler was an unlikely fit but I think he’s still out there… Would love to double down but maybe we wait till after all our picks are in to consider other vets? Unrelated but the fact two of our former top 5 picks (Jameis and #45) remain unsigned and we’ve had zero interest in a humbled player reunion. I’m not surprised btw just speaks to what a crap shoot the draft is…
March 14th, 2025 at 7:34 am
New or old it didn’t seem to matter last year when it came to NFL South QB’s and the Bucs defense. Kirk Cousins, an immobile, 36 year old statue, shredded the Bucs twice last year. Some kid named Rattler looked like Michael Vick against the Bucs. Trust Licht to make the overall defense better. The draft is going to be fun. Need to focus almost entirely on defense selections unless an irresistible O player is available.
March 14th, 2025 at 7:56 am
Agreed , the Bucs have to focus on defense this year from top to bottom. Can’t stop at Reddick, Bucs still need quality depth at Edge, DT , and CB. I trust Jason to strengthen the defense this year. Bucs have the offense to get to the SB, just need better defense.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:01 am
Crotchety McGee… Funny thing is there a lot of interesting similarities between those two.
Both last name start with W and share a bunch of letters
Seem like nice guys but borderline head cases.
Are physical specimens that should be amazing at their sport.
Their entire problems is between their years, both use of knowledge, psychological and emotional (less so for Jameis).
Winston, LASIK didn’t help him see the coverage guy in the flat.
White, horses more important than football plus he’s quick and agile enough to cover any tight end… why couldn’t he?
Both just have low football IQs is the problem in comparison to our stars Licht kept
March 14th, 2025 at 8:10 am
Is it time to watch our new front four rush the passer yet
March 14th, 2025 at 8:17 am
Teacherman … DT/DE, ILB & CB … Top-3 Rnds. BINGO! Go for depth after that, preferably on defense.
o Get 1 more beastly DT/NT to rotate in with Vea and our pass rush will be unstoppable.
o Get 1 beastly MLB to pair with LVD and our middle-of-the-field problems will be solved.
o Get 1 beastly CB to compete with Jamel Dean to start outside and our CB issues will fade away.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:26 am
Is Jihaad Campbell really going to be there at #19? Hope so. In any event, defense across the draft board, and then load up the defensive UDFAs too.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:28 am
The projected draft has lots of quality in defensive line and running back.
Should help us in the first round get a “more beastly” DT/NT to rotate in.
The Eagles success last year really came from their interior defensive line and just was enhanced by the guys on the edge as 2nd level pieces.
Teams always try to mimic the champs. We have a chance to.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:39 am
Young or old, statuesque or mobile, everyone looked like a blend of Dan Marino and Steve Young against our defense last year.
The quick underneath passing game was a substitute for the run game by most opponents, because Todd overcommits to stopping the run while terrifying his defenders about letting anything over their heads.
Let 2025 be different. Please.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:42 am
Sacks are nice but they have to come when it counts.
Young’s progress is due to Canale’s Ball going somewhere at Two Mississippi. Even if it’s in the dirt or a lucky fan in the 4th row.
Falcons got a kid that was probably the best in his draft class to be ready for the Pro game week 1. Zac Robinson will have him moving the ball at will.
Then you got the old guy at NOLA without a defensive minded head coach and a guy who gave Ben Johnson a run for his money as the best OC last season.
Would not be surprised if there are 3 teams in the NFCS that win 10 games next season. Only thing that will make it difficult is they all face the NFCW and AFCE. Majority of Opponents will be competitive in 2025. 9 Wins may be enough again.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:53 am
Reddick will be the catalyst and the Bucs D will feast on Young, Penix and Carr. Feeling a big rebound with the D in ’25. I like this team laying in the weeds this year. All the talk will be about the Eagles, Lions, Commanders, Packers, 49ers, Rams, Cowboys, etc.. Baker & the Bucs will be once again be disrespected & eager to serve up some fresh crow.
March 14th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Draft the BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE!!!!!
March 14th, 2025 at 9:02 am
Joe, Teacherman, my thoughts are and no, I am not an NFL personnel guy, the Bucs will go ED in the 1st, OLB or ILB in the 2nd, CB in the 3rd, S ior OL in the 4th and then draft for depth. Again this is my opinion and opinions are like rear ends everybody has one
March 14th, 2025 at 9:05 am
Sorry Defense Rules some how I missed your post. You had already kind of mentioned what I just posted
March 14th, 2025 at 9:13 am
We’ll see how much they make this guy drop back in coverage.i think maybe Lavonte dropping back from there would be alright cause he has those skills. But the edge guy needs to be right there keeping qb’s in check or putting him on the ground. You got seven guys back there for the recievers and a lot of running QBs that burnt us quite a few times last season. I’ve seen the Chiefs go down twice now to a defense that’s staying on Mahomes ass and letting the front maintain their jobs.. Let’s Go Bucs!!!!
March 14th, 2025 at 9:21 am
Team hasn’t improved, why all the bragging? No linebackers, and no corners. Plus, Reddick is a wild card head case. Offense wasn’t the issue. Needed to go all in on defense.
March 14th, 2025 at 9:29 am
This team has a way to go. If the Falcons didn’t choke would Bowles still have a job?
The QB must stop turning the ball over and the defense needs to get sacks, not pressure and ints. Who knows what this team will look like. We’ll see….
March 14th, 2025 at 9:45 am
@defense rules
Coming from you means sth.
You are a solid commentator on this site.
D-line and CB’s and ILB.
We need to build depth!
Vea is getting old. Gaines is old. Reddick is 1 year. Hall is on his last year.
We need to prepare for next years team and draft.
March 14th, 2025 at 9:57 am
The unit will be greater than the sum of the parts. Reddick will make Kancey better. Kancey will give Reddick more opportunities. Vea will have less double teams.
The depth early in the season will be key.
March 14th, 2025 at 10:28 am
Teacherman … ‘We need to prepare for next years team and draft.’
Agreed. I think we’re in a cycle in which who we add this year AND next year (FAs & the draft) will be critical to our being able to compete for the Super Bowl both years.
Yes guys like Vea & Gaines (and LVD & Dean) are getting older, but that’s why I really want to draft a beastly DT/NT this year (and maybe 1 next year to replace Gaines). Get the newbies experience as a rotational player in his 1st year and then build on that his 2nd year. Same thing with ILB & CB.
March 14th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
There will be plenty of quality CB’s available in 3rd round. Almost any of them will be better than the collection of underachievers the Bucs currently have.
March 14th, 2025 at 5:38 pm
Again…AW’s health, he’s a game changer when right…and the addition of H.R. will complete this team, even allowing for a little depth.
Remember the Buc’s pass rush was top ten last year! The pressure came mostly from the interior and now with H.R. and YaYa the Bucs are going to make life scary for opposing QB’s.
I hope the emphasis is not just “physical” defenders, but also athletic, fearless hitters who always stop their man!!!
March 15th, 2025 at 11:19 am
DR, always agree with you. Licht/Bowles will focus on Defense. Also a punter and decent return man would be nice.
March 15th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Absolutely, I called for Reddick a year ago. He is a simple hardworking blue collar type of guy with gifts that allow him to play in the NFL.
The most important stat is how many games he miss each season. He is like Su. They almost never miss games due to injury. Hopefully we will resign Barrett and allow the two of them to work with YaYa, Brasswell, and maybe this year’s 3rd or 4th round pick.
Barrett is valuable because of his connection to the lockerroom and community. Why we brought back Sheppard and Nelson is disappointing. Neither has up side, however, Brasswell, Jarrett, Tucker and Palmer has enormous upside. Then we let Skule and Thomas get away which was due to focusing on Sheppard and Nelson.
So far we have done a solid job in free agency, not great. Hopefully we trade back and try to pickup 3 additionally late round picks for 2025. We need a late round IOL, OT, WR, and due to keeping Yrask we do not need a QB.
Signing Trask is one of the best moves made. Before this season is over, he will start some games.
Finally, we had one of the top 5 most challenging schedules last season. For some reason, this season it appears we are restore for one of the top 5 easiest schedules.
It will be important to win 12 games. 12 games could win the number 1 seed in the NFC.
Go Bucs!