Jason Licht Likes Travis Hunter: Browns Exploring A Trade
April 23rd, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Do the Bucs want to blow the minds of their fan base and become a greater Super Bowl contender?
Or, well, Jamel Dean.
It’s not that simple, but perhaps it could be.
Stud cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter from the University of Colorado is expected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the tomorrow’s NFL Draft. But who will be selecting him?
Per Ira Kaufman friend and TheAthletic.com NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Browns have explored trading out of the No. 2 overall pick.
Typically, per NFL protocol, general managers will not talk about college prospects by name before the draft. But yesterday, Buccaneers Ring of Honor GM Jason Licht let the words “Travis Hunter” flow from his lips.
Licht was a guest on WFLA-TV‘s inaugural episode of The Ronde Barber Show. During the chatter, images of top prospects were flowing across the screen and Licht as asked if he saw anyone he wants to draft.
“I like that player, I like Travis Hunter,” Licht said, adding there other players he likes in the draft.
Considering the Bucs have been open about their desire for a cornerback and head Todd Bowles mysteriously said he’s been scouting receivers, Licht’s comment was not one Joe could overlook.
What would it cost the Bucs to trade up from No. 19 to No. 2? Joe would expect the swap to cost first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, and perhaps another pick swap this season. Like the Bucs get the Browns’ fourth-round pick and Cleveland takes the Bucs’ third-rounder.
Joe will let fans decide if it’s worth it. Considering the Bucs should not be in the market for a quarterback in 2026 and 2027, and Hunter could be a two-way player, Joe can’t dismiss the potential opportunity as ridiculous.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:11 pm
No way that is going to happen!!
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:12 pm
Is Travis Hunter worth three 1st round picks?
No.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:13 pm
That would be WILD and I wouldn’t hate it all!
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:18 pm
Has Joe gone loco?
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:19 pm
Nope…..Unless the Bucs trade Dean and #19 along with our 2nd round pick.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:21 pm
If we’re going to go up that high I would rather have Abdul Carter
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Silly Season has officially landed at JBF.com
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:25 pm
Well, if you believe that Hunter can truly play both ways, And be elite at both positions, you could argue you’re getting two prospects in one, and one that did play both at a high level.
I don’t know, it’s definitely a risk, and a lot of draft equity to give up. But hey… could make for plenty of jersey sales!
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:27 pm
I think Hunter is a better WR than corner.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:27 pm
That would cost entirely too much, not going to happen
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Since Hunter plays both ways the team who trades with the Browns effectively gets two first round picks for their #2 overall. Two positions will be filled with one pick with a generationally talented player.
If the Bucs give up this year’s weak top end of the draft 19 and 2026 and 2027 first rounders, both of which are likely to be deep in the 20’s its kind of like trading two sure-as-can-be picks for three 50/50 picks plus whatever change or Jamel Dean…
CBs get hurt a lot so in turn, when Bullworth Hunter gets hurt on either side of the ball the Bucs will lose a starter on both sides…
I’m not into a trade up but I have to admit a trade for a player of Bullworth’s caliber is tempting and got me thinking seriously. I get a kick out of how Clark Kent he comes across at the podium in his glasses versus the bada$$ he is with his helmet on. I love everything about the kid but dumping so much draft capital is bush league so I am forgainst this suggested transaction. For the moment…
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:34 pm
I would be absolutely shocked if the Bucs traded up to #2!
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:36 pm
To me, Doug RR Martin, It absolutely feels like the Bucs would be the ultimate fit for Travis Hunter.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:38 pm
Whoever drafts Travis Hunter also gets the second coming of Mika Grimes to go along with him. Pass.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Would give Browns this year’s 1 and 2; and, next year 1st. Just to be sporting would throw in Jamel Dean whom so many here are smitten with. Pass on Travis Hunter and take Abdul Carter. Ought to be able to find a LB and DB this year with 3rd and 4th picks. If Bucs can’t make this sort of deal, stay at 19 and draft Emmanwori.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:43 pm
I thought about it too but man that cost would be nuts…but then again, you never know….i mean it is Cleveland lol
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:45 pm
The cool part about drafting him is you can use him at corner more now where we need it. And at wr more later when Mike isn’t here
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:50 pm
Make that Travis aka Bowfinger Hunter not Bullworth. I’m mixing up old movies of the same era.
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:52 pm
That is just Jason playing mind games with the rest of the teams
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Go for it Jason!
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:54 pm
If we were drafting #6-7 I could see a move to 2 for him but from 19…. Way too rich. Would love to have him. Lock down CB and WR insurance
April 23rd, 2025 at 3:59 pm
This is the Home Run hit that we need! As long as it’s not a Ricky Williams trade package.. I don’t see why not! Make it happen Jason!!!
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Trade Dean for any pick.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:04 pm
Pfffft
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:07 pm
Liar’s Poker
Licht is a master…
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:12 pm
This years 1 and 2, next years 1 and 2….we’ll be picking late next year anyway.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:12 pm
It would solve our need for a CB and a wide receiver in one shot.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:13 pm
Don’t see that happening at all. Think he’s got an ulterior to make someone else do something foolish.
But then it is the Browns, he might get them to trade their #2:for a 6th round pick
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:16 pm
Not a chance. Too risky. He s got a small frame. Probably will be a top level corner but not worth that much of their future
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Not sure what I would give up for the #2. Not swapping firsts and ALSO 2 future firsts… that’s for d@mn sure!!
The bucs entered a dark age due to a few primary reasons …
* Giving up 2 firsts for Gruden
* Drafting badly with what was left (thanks Bruce… not Arians)
* Gruden being fired due to all of the above (+ really bad, and old, FA aquisitions)
Hunter is not worth it… Licht finds players in the mids.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:19 pm
if that’s what it costs, I could see doing that, because you basically get 2 star players for the price of one with this guy.
And if you succeed, you are giving up the 32nd pick of the draft, basically 2 second round picks, and your mid-1st round pick this year.
For a “generational talent”….
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Joe is emerging heavily in the strong adult beverages again.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:25 pm
One could look at this proposed trade as the Bucs’ 2025 #19, 2026 late 1st rounder, 2027 late 1st rounder and Jamel Dean or other spare change for Cleveland’s 2025 #2 which is effectively two picks since it fills two spots on the depth chart- with a generational talent. This year’s 19 and the next two incoming first rounders are 25% chances at best to be All Pros. How many total AllPro selections will Bowfinger win? How many AllPro selections will those three Bucs picks win?
DRAFT ANGEL: Its a terrible idea to sacrifice multiple first round picks ever. That is not a guideline- its a rule! DRAFT DEVIL: …but no rule is absolute. The players the Bucs can expect for these picks will not be generational talents. Bowfinger is a generational talent. Two really…
Make is so Mr. Licht. Bring us Bowfinger and sentence Dean to Cleveland with his codefendent JTS. Once the pick is in make sure to apologize to the people of Cleveland, maybe even pray for them after preying on their perennially gullible front office. Sorry/not sorry I see some merit in the Bucs selling their draft soul in this scenario but, if I were Licht I couldn’t go through with it. It is food for thought though.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:26 pm
It is fantasy land, but wow that would be amazing.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:36 pm
Licht will draft kyle Williams in the second. Heard it here first.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:40 pm
Ku Ku
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:41 pm
definitely not worth it.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Ok firethecannons, if someone is taking down prognostications, here is mine:
Licht will sign Jordan Polk Texas State CB/S as an UDFA after the draft.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:42 pm
3 Reasons it’s Not Happening …
1. Four positions of need: MLB, Edge, CB, S
2. Depth would be amazing at OL/DL
3. Licht loves his picks
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:42 pm
Yeah while you are at it Joe, why don’t the Bucs trade Baker back to the Browns. Ain’t going to happen just like trading up to #2 not going to happen.
Though Hunter will be a superstar barring injuries. Too bad he will end up in the hellhole called Cleveland.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:43 pm
It’s the Browns.
Give us the 2nd overall, their first for the next two seasons, and Garrett, and we’ll give you Baker Mayfield.
Yes, I know, then the Bucs don’t have a QB, but flip a 7th to the Giants for Winston and we’re set.
Plus, the entire fun of this entire trade scenario is that the Browns would then promptly ruin Baker and he’d turn back into a pumpkin there – then the Bucs can just resign him on the cheap again while stacking the team for the future.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:44 pm
This is patently absurd. Hunter has BUST written all over him. He’s good at both positions, great at neither. And you wanna cough up extra picks for him? Insane. Stupid.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:46 pm
This was a joke. Not to be taken seriously. This is some bottom of the barrel stuff.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Fred Says:
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Trade Dean for any pick.
^^^^^^^
I always love it when people want to trade off players with no value.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:47 pm
The whole idea is insane… and it’s just chum, just nonsense to create more uncertainty about what they’re going to do… which is likely to sit at 19 and pick… unless someone throws a bunch of draft capital to trade up into the #19 spot. And that’s probably not happening UNLESS Shedeur slides to our pick. I could see someone like the Giants coming up from the round 2 selection to grab him. Pittsburgh at 21 is thought to be the end of Sanders’ slide if he does slide, so anyone wanting to grab him needs to jump up to 19 or 20. In that respect, we could be in a could trade-back situation.
Just to be clear, trading up to grab Hunter is not happening. We’d have to give up next year’s #1 with this year’s and that is a no go.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:53 pm
Guess it worked Joe. 41 responses so far, with the most common being ‘No way’. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:54 pm
Yes and Joe likes
Rachael Watson
Same likelihood of success…
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:54 pm
Absolutely no freaking chance our Bucs trade up to the #2 spot from #19. Ain’t gonna happen in a million years!!!
April 23rd, 2025 at 4:59 pm
Wonder what Joel Buchsbaum would have to say about this?
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:11 pm
The only trade I’m interested in, is for Hendrickson.
Give Cincy #19 and Dean for Hendrickson and a 3rd or fourth…
Trey WILL produce
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:21 pm
This thread has lowered the average IQ of the fanbase by a statistically significant margin. Breaking out the scotch.
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:24 pm
I don’t think there is a single scout or GM that doesn’t like Travis Hunter lol
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:25 pm
Maybe trade to 22 but not 2.
That is crazy talk.
Licht is way too proud of his draft successes to chase 1 player when we are this close.
Can you imagine if we had traded our 3rd and 4th last year for any player?
We would have list Bucky and JMAC.
Travis could get hurt and bust.
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:27 pm
@Kalind
What do mean? I’d bet most team have Travis Hunter rated as WR1 and CB1 on their board. He’s an elite prospect at both positions
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Pass. You only mortgage the future to that great of an extent for a can’t miss franchise QB. You don’t do it for essentially a positionless player with demands to start on both sides of the ball, that also brings a huge circus with him. Maybe if the plan was to get him, Sheduer, and recruit Deion to be the coach you consider it, but not for this team. That’s essentially a 3 or 4 for 1 player trade, at premium draft slots. Quite frankly, that’s the type of trade only the Browns would make. Smart, productive, high end franchises like the BUCS are under this leadership regime simply don’t do moves like that.
Not to mention, if he were to get injured, you’d have to replace him twice as a starter. Forward thinking, when his rookie contract is up, assuming he plays dual positions, he could make a realistic argument to be paid at the top of the market for both positions, with a salary cap breaking historical contract. Would you be willing to pay him upwards of $100M/season in 6 years?
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:48 pm
Hunter gonna struggle if he don’t bulk up a bit
Evan’s would bury him on line of scrimmage
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:48 pm
If the Bucs were thinking about giving up that much capital for one player, I’d much prefer they spent it on Micha Parsons.
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:59 pm
Can’t give away that much draft capital. Salary Caps will continue to get higher , those 1st round picks are valuable for 4 years
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Hard pass, don’t need the circus coming to TB.
He’s a good player but we have big needs on the Defensive side
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:05 pm
U only make an aggressive move like that for ur QB star of the future! We already have that,and certainly not for a quasi 2 way player! Silliness…now if they made a smaller less draft hurtful play for stud D.E from the Bengals, or Parsons from Dallas….maybe…maybe…maybe?
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:08 pm
LOL – Of course Licht “likes” Travis Hunter…. Duh
Every single GM in the league “like(s) that player…”
But it’s more likely that Kay Adams walks up, winks at Joe and offers a no strings quickie next time she is at a Bucs practice – than Jason Licht trading from #19 to #2 in this draft……
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:09 pm
GO FOR IT !
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:12 pm
Jmarkbuc Says:
April 23rd, 2025 at 5:11 pm
The only trade I’m interested in, is for Hendrickson.
Give Cincy #19 and Dean for Hendrickson and a 3rd or fourth…
Trey WILL produce
^^^^^^^
I’m sure the Bengals really want to trade for an overpaid, oft injured, stone hands player. They’d have to be as high as you to consider Dean in any trade.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:13 pm
Joe
cmon man
Were trying to win a Superbowl
This ain’t the Enquirer
But real Bucs talk
Dean ain’t going anywhere
Get over it
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:15 pm
intriguing but it would cost too much. itd be aweome to make him a starting cb but also sparringly as a wideout amongst our solid 3 we have already. just the wear and tear on someone playing both sides full time is too much to commit to and use all that capitol on.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Joe, go take a nap for a couple days. Let this draft get over with before you embarrass yourself with anymore foolish takes.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Over my dead body!
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Three first round picks for Travis Hunter? Man the Browns would absolutely fleece us with a trade like that. I would rather we trade down and pick more in the middle of the draft.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:31 pm
Three 1st round picks? No. He’s not that good. The team will feel the effects for ten years.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:43 pm
Hunter won’t play pro ball unless he can play both defense and offense. Something you can do in college but he would get worked in the NFL. I would be surprised if Jason traded up for this prima donna. Smokescreen. Bucs are going DT,DE , or LB in the first round.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:44 pm
Don’t do Browns things.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:55 pm
The implacations of this trade are much larger than just picks. This will drive people to games to watch this kid for at least the first season. Hell, I am in Hawaii and I would try to visit family in Tampa just to catch him play next season.
April 23rd, 2025 at 7:09 pm
This trade could be easily accomplished.
Just give Licht the day off tomorrow and hire Kevin Costner.
By tomorrow night’s end we’d have Hunter and all the draft picks we used to get him returned to us by Cleveland before our original 19th pick! Then we could grab Campbell as well!
I love that movie because it’s so unreal it’s funny.
And even amongst us peaceful folk, who didn’t want to smack Dennis Leary around to quiet his incessant whining?
April 23rd, 2025 at 7:27 pm
So many haters in here. It’s just some fun draft talk and people get offended by the very idea that anything interesting could happen.
Light up, Francis.
April 23rd, 2025 at 7:30 pm
I didn’t even realize that Gruden is doing his QB camp videos, not sure how I missed it. Good on him, he’s got a Chevy sponsorship and everything. Watching his video with Dart as I keep hearing the Saints are going to him – and I don’t like that at all. Please New Orleans, stick it out with Carr, he’s amazing and a true championship level QB, just you wait, give him a little more time and he’s going to reward you – the last thing you need is a new young gunslinger QB.
April 23rd, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Pickgrin-
So you’re saying Joe has a chance?