Who Is Jason Licht?
January 22nd, 2014
Jason Licht once played linebacker under Tom Osborne at Nebraska.
Yes, the Bucs hired Cardinals vice president of player personnel Jason Licht as their new general manager yesterday, but just who is Licht?
Well, if you believe winning rubs off on people, then Licht might be your guy. He was part of the football operations of three different franchises that reached the Super Bowl while he was under their employ, noted Buccaneers.com multimedia guru Scott Smith.
Licht, who brings nearly two decades of scouting and player personnel experience to the Buccaneers’ front office, has spent the last 15 years evaluating personnel and coordinating scouting efforts for the Cardinals (2008, 2012-13), New England Patriots (1999-2002, 2009-11) and Philadelphia Eagles (2003-07). During that span, he helped shape the rosters for four teams that reached the Super Bowl: the 2001 and 2011 Patriots, the 2004 Eagles and the 2008 Cardinals.
Not a bad resume and, again, if winning rubs off, Team Glazer has its guy.
Now if one believes the urban legend, that the original draftnik, Joel Buchsbaum, a close confidant of Bill Belicheat, was the one who prodded Belicheat into drafting quarterback Tom Brady, you can see on Licht’s resume above with winning teams that none of them drafted and developed a stud quarterback. (Again, if you are wont to believe the urban legend about Belicheat and Buchsbaum, then read Buchsbaum’s analysis of Brady coming out of Michigan and it is spooky how accurate he was.)
Joe firmly believes it is Licht’s priority No. 1 to find a quarterback. Not just a serviceable quarterback but a quarterback can lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl. This just in: the Bucs don’t have a quarterback that can win the division.
If you are not trying to win a Super Bowl and just want to tease fans by flirting with a wild card berth, then that’s just spinning your wheels.
Given Licht’s background as a linebacker with Tom Osborne at Nebraska, Joe’s pretty sure he’s a defensive-minded kind of guy. His ability to find that franchise quarterback will likely define his tenure with the Bucs.
January 22nd, 2014 at 2:54 pm
I am a big fan of Buccaneer Linebackers From Nebraska.
January 22nd, 2014 at 2:58 pm
Go Glennon! I hope he gets a chance in training camp .who really knows what he can do with great coahing? look who was teaching him last year!
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:04 pm
The Bucs can put together a TEAM that can win the division. Quarterback does not have to be priority 1. Seattle is in the Super Bowl because of their number ranked D IMO.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:05 pm
If the Glazers like him and Lovie likes him, nuff said, I like him too!
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Just when I thought I was reading a post not regarding the QB position, Joe hits us with another whammy!
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I am not a member of the Glennon Mob…but I think it is a bit early to be saying that Glennon cannont win the division…give him Sammy Watkins and some O-Line help and lets see that happens.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:15 pm
I’m coming to this site more and more to read the witty comments instead of hearing about how the Bucs promising young QB can’t win, Dominik is/was a rockstar, Michael Bennett got away, ads bigger than my head, soccer sucks, bone-in chicken wing are inferior to boneless “wings”, American style pilsners are better than craft beer, etc. That said, it’s still the most informative and entertaining sports blog I’ve ever followed.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:15 pm
Joe,
“This just in: the Bucs don’t have a quarterback that can win the division.”
You forgot to add…..”with this current team”….
Or, you write as if its not an opinion but a fact.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:27 pm
QB’s don’t win and lose, teams do….but I get the point in that we need another QB for competition and that may appear to have superior metrics.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Unfortunately Joe is right. The Bucs don’t have QB that will win the NFC South at this time. Great QB’s are difficult to find and they don’t leave teams (unless they have 3 neck surgeries).
Lovie and Licht will need to find that 2nd or 3rd round QB that just need some coaching up and has a chip on his shoulder. Later rounds QB’s seem to pan out far better then first rounders.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:31 pm
How many teams have a franchise QB? How many teams are searching for a franchise QB? If franchise QB’s were common, all teams would have one. The Bucs still have’nt found one in over 3 decades of existance. I don’t think it is in the cards that the Bucs will ever employ or start a franchise QB. Might as well accept an average QB, because that is more than likely what Bucs fans will ever have.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:32 pm
Otto…correct it is the best.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:39 pm
“He also assisted in scouting core players Tom Brady, Damien Woody, Kevin Faulk, Richard Seymour, Matt Light and Deion Branch.”
Off of an article on Licht, seems like the guys has an eye for talent.
I’m excited.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:45 pm
I would like to know who is a QB (attainable) that can win the Superbowl for the Bucs? And, how do you know it for a fact?
What we have here are opinions that are stated as if they are facts…..they are not prefaced with “I think” or “I believe”…..am I to assume everyone who posts (including Joe) are giving opinions?
It is my opinion that given some time and the right team around him that it is possible for Glennon to win the division and win a Superbowl.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:47 pm
I have yet to hear one Glennon supporter say with confidence they believe Glennon is a great QB. All I hear is “he deserves a chance”, or “he played great considering the circumstances”. I don’t believe in giving a guy a year long tryout because you think he could possibly be great under the perfect situation (meaning with excellent coaching, a great OL, great running game, and great receivers, all with no injuries). Perfect situations rarely happen. Does Andrew Luck have great weapons? Does Russell Wilson? Have the Packers been injury free? I think it’s silly to experiment with a guy who has shown very little to prove he is a top QB. I think all this losing over the last few years has really lowered some fans’ expectations.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:47 pm
“He also assisted in scouting core players Tom Brady, Damien Woody, Kevin Faulk, Richard Seymour, Matt Light and Deion Branch.”
Off of a piece on Licht, seems like the guy has an eye for talent.
I’m excited 😀
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:48 pm
testing
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Whelp, seems I’m having the same issue as Lurk was having the other day.
Maybe the posts will show up later lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:51 pm
TBBF…Glennon in a way looks to me like he can become a great game manager type QB. Emphasis on the word GREAT. Game manager QB’s can win SB’s. Brad Johnson comes to mind.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Tom Brady, Peyton manning, Eli manning, Drew brees, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, Andrew luck, Joe flacco, tony Romo Phillip rivers, cam newton, Russel.Wilson, plenty of franchise qbs in the league it’s asinine to say you don’t need one. Yea a defense can win.a superbowl but a defense takes 11 guys but one guy can keep.you a contender
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:51 pm
I agree TBBF. Brad Johnson wasn’t a franchise QB and got the job done.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:52 pm
I think Glennon can become a GREAT game manager type QB, but he needs more weapons than an aging VJax.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:54 pm
“Does Andrew Luck have great weapons? Does Russell Wilson?”
Yes and yes.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:57 pm
I was reading a piece on Licht and there was a section in it that stated how he assisted in scouting T om Bra-dy, D amien W oody, K evin F aulk, R ichard S eymour, M att L ight, and D eion B ranch.
Seeems like he has an eye for talent.
I’m excited to see what he does.
January 22nd, 2014 at 3:59 pm
So we have to go through this again? That the offense (if not the defense) has to be perfect in order to carry the quarterback?
Isn’t it about time for the Bucs to actually have a quarterback that makes his teammates better instead of the other way around? smh
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Finally got it through, I think it was just that name or one of the others that wasn’t going through that filter lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:00 pm
What does that mean? That he made sure the VCR (in those days) was running right? That he booked the flights for others to birddog Brady et al? He obtained rosters?
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:04 pm
I have a feeling we’ll have a new face under center come 2014.
Sure starting Glennon may be the “right” thing to do, but it’s the NFL, it’s a win now or get fired type of business.
The “right” thing is not always the “NFL” thing to do lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:04 pm
I don’t know ask Jenna Laine
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:06 pm
Her word usage not mine.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:07 pm
For any team Licht was involved with, they have only drafted one quarterback before the third round, that being Kevin Kolb. Looks like the Bucs chances landing Johnny just got a little slimmer.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Joe(s) – what makes you think (‘firmly believe’) that JL is looking for a winning QB? (Other than gut feeling?)
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:07 pm
@PR
I think it is more likely that we will have a new Center rather than a “face under center”…..two things would have to happen….One, we would have to draft or pick up a free agent !QB….Two, that person would have to beat out Glennon for the job.
If those happen….I’m all for it….If they don’t….I’m all for it…
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:09 pm
I don’t know this guy from a housecat, but he’s a Buc now and he’s got my vote!
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:10 pm
TBBF
Yea, I believe both of those conditions will be met.
That’s why I’d be fine with it.
AND yes I agree, we’ll have a new center as well lol 😉
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:17 pm
I suppose it could be said that the man hasn’t been involved in choosing a QB because the places he has been already had one in place, except the cards.
I agree with Joe about the current QB – just not going to cut it.
Mr. Dominik also never developed a great QB in five years – yet strangely this fact doesn’t diminish the high opinion of him by the Joe’s.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Can’t believe Dominik hasn’t found a job yet. Then again, he is a ROCK STAR, so maybe he’s out on tour right now.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Joe just has a strong feeling that Licht is not looking for a losing quarterback.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:22 pm
@1987,
Who exactly do the Colts have as weapons? They have one receiver that barely got 1000 yards, and no RB that rushed for 550 yards. But go ahead and start making stuff up, that’s pretty much what you do anyway.
And the Seahawks have great receivers? Golden Tate is great now? They have absolutely zero WR’s with 1000 yards. You’re right though, they are loaded.
He’s going to be a great game manager??? Did you really just type that? Is that good enough for you? I guess 8-8 and you’ll be throwing a JBF party at your house for a great season. You’re ok with a game manager, versus getting a great QB? What a loser mentality.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:39 pm
No matter what the record, they are ALL at home. And we know your feelings on Glennon. It’s nothing new. Glennon who was just as good as Wilson would have beat the Seahawks if it had not been for a crap defense blowing a 21-0 lead. Look at the teams with great QB’s and how many are at home? Brady,Brees.What happened to the great Matt Ice this year? Give the man some receivers and a TE. My worry is we just got RID of a college HC and bad OC. Now we bring in a College OC with no NFL experience.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:45 pm
Br-ad Johnson was a great game manager.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:46 pm
I would be very happy with Bridgewater, Manziel or Bortles at 7….or Garoppolo or Carr in round 2…
I don’t think we should trade up for a QB this year….next year if whoever we have doen’t perform then trade up.
There will be several weaker teams that pick QBs this year that are likely to still be weak next year…so they won’t need a QB & will trade.
Hundley, Winston Mariota & Perry are coming out along with others so we will have a shot at, one of them.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:48 pm
Golden Tate, Percy Harvin, and Marshawn Lynch are weapons in my eyes. Much better than Vjax, Underwood and Bobby Rainey.
Hawaiian Buc…go back to conspiracy theories, it’s what your good at.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:49 pm
I’m not against upgrading the QB position, but I vehemently disagree that you can’t win without a rockstar QB… I will stand by the idea that the Bucs top 3 needs are probably DE (or hybrid LB outside rusher), OL, and speedy WR. If they upgrade those 3 positions this offseason, and Glennon continues to steadily improve, they could easily be 10-6 next year (barring injuries to key players).
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:49 pm
Percy Harvin, lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:50 pm
As far as drafting, I think this year is a good year to trade down and do a lot of maneuvering for extra draft picks since we’re missing a 3rd and a 6th.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Joe, you could write a million posts like this every day until draft day and you’ll have exactly 0% effect on the Bucs front office or their decision making in any way whatsoever. So stop trying so hard.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:55 pm
hmmm Harvin or Underwood? That’s a tough one. Whatever. Lynch in the backfield or Rainey? Another tough one too. Whatever.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Glennon had Jackson, Williams, and Martin. How’d he do with them? But that’s someone else’s fault I guess.
January 22nd, 2014 at 4:57 pm
How many games did Percy play?
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:06 pm
There are very few rookie QBs that have come along and performed at the standard you are setting. If we had this standard with that last bum we had, he would of been gone a lot sooner.
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Losing quarterback? By that standard Peyton Manning would have been benched after his first year when they went 3-13 or so. Saying Glennon can not win the division is ridiculous.
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Mike Williams played in 6 games. Martin played in 6. 3 of those games Josh Freeman was the starter. Keep arguing.
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Maybe he will actually earn the title of Rockstar General Manager Jason Licht ?
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:37 pm
We Haven’t had a QB that could win the division for the last 5 years. Why is it an issue now?
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:40 pm
As we all know, you HAVE to have a franchise quarterback to win the division. You can’t even THINK about winning a Super Bowl without one! Right? Trent who? Trent Dilfer? Umm…
Joe has written off Glennon. If I had to put money down, I would probably bet that Joe is right. But I wouldn’t put money down, because the first year of an NFL QB, especially a rookie, is not necessarily an accurate indication of what he can be. But I’m with joseph mamma – Glennon may or may not be the answer, but I don’t see where anyone has the evidence to say which at this point. Another thing – Manning threw a crazy high number of interceptions his first year.
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:43 pm
@1987,
Once again, how many games did Percy Harvin play in?
And I really wish people would stop comparing Glennon to Manning. Manning was on a horrendous team, evident by being the #1 overall pick of the draft. Manning was an absolute stud in the best football conference in America. His skills are off the charts. Glennon, not so much. Manning made incredible throws as a rookie. Glennon is great at hitting guys that are wide open. Again, what have you seen from him that leads you to believe he’s going to he great. Do you think there is one team in the league that would give up as much as a third for him? There isn’t.
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:54 pm
“We Haven’t had a QB that could win the division for the last 5 years. Why is it an issue now?”
Maybe not to the Freemanites it hasn’t been an issue lol
January 22nd, 2014 at 5:58 pm
All I want is competition for Mike Glennon. It can only help him improve as a QB. I don’t know if he’s the future, it’s way too early to say, but why not have another talented QB with potential to see if one of these guys works out?
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:03 pm
I was no Freemanite, but you could see his talent early on. He showed glimpses of being a great QB. He made throws that very few QB’s could make. He was also very mobile, and a beast to tackle. He teased us with an excellent season in 2010. However, it all went down hill for whatever reason. His issues were off the field, not talent. Glennon issues are talent, not off the field. Neither should be a starter, but let’s not pretend as if there wasn’t a time we were all impressed and excited about Freeman. The same can’t be said for Glennon. Except for those who are okay with him being a great game manager. That’s exactly what they want.
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Noone questioned he had potential and his moments, but that’s not enough plain and simple.
Inconsistency killed the Free Free
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:14 pm
@PRBucfan,
Absolutely 100% agree. But my point is that Glennon just doesn’t have the talent. I think most of us, especially myself, would love for him to be great. How can you not cheer for a guy who isn’t blessed with a lot of talent, but works his butt off? But wanting him to be great and expecting him to be great are two different things. Like I’ve said before, if you had to put YOUR money on Mike Glennon being a championship level QB, would you? I know I wouldn’t. As a result, I’d go in a different direction.
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Still waiting for 1987 to let me know how many games the great Percy Harvin played in this year. He brought him up as a great weapon. When I brought up our weapons, he dismissed them because they were hurt.
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:31 pm
FLBoy:
So Joe should just shut his site down until September?
Joe writes what interests Joe and judging by the growth of this site, it sure seems many Bucs fans enjoy Joe’s topics.
January 22nd, 2014 at 6:36 pm
Yea I hear ya, absolutely and I see the Bucs moving in a different direction soon.
January 22nd, 2014 at 7:22 pm
I’m not saying Glennon is the answer at all. I’m will say Glennon did not get picked 1st overall in the draft like Luck. So comparing what Luck is doing to what Glennon did is utter foolishness, especially since there is no one that even compares to Luck in this draft or via FA. Some people like to make it look like Andrew Luck’s are a dime a dozen. Like they grow on trees. As far as Wilson goes. I already stated that I think the Seattle D is what carries that team, not Wilson IMO. Plus Seattle runs the ball a helluva lot. Lynch and Russell combined for about 400 rushing attempts vs the same number 400 passing attempts.
Percy Harvin played in 1 game for the Hawks. Williams and Martin played in 3 games for Glennon. WOW that’s a whole 2 game difference.
January 22nd, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Otto says he comes to JBF for the witty comments. I come here for the fights! Better than MMA. Come on Hawaiian, let Buc1987 have it!
January 22nd, 2014 at 7:49 pm
Mumbles lol. He’s always fighting with me.
January 22nd, 2014 at 7:54 pm
Buc1987
“The Bucs can put together a TEAM that can win the division. Quarterback does not have to be priority 1.”
Bullspit.
Seattle has Russel Wilson. He has a 100+ QB rating. He is a very good QB. A franchise QB. If the Bucs had him we would at least feel he could compete with Newton and Ryan.
Glennon is nowhere close to that. The Seahawks scored 20+ points in 12 of 16 games during the season. It was not just their defence that got them to the Superbowl.
January 22nd, 2014 at 7:57 pm
Buc1987
I agree Glennon should not be compared to Andrew Luck. He should, however, be compared to Newton, Ryan and Brees…unless you are happy not making the playoff for the next 3-5 years.
January 22nd, 2014 at 8:11 pm
Bonzai…what about turnovers. I’m not a stat’s guy, but how did Seattle’s D do with turnovers. I read somewhere that they led the NFL in turnovers. Then again the Bucs probably were’nt too far behind them.
January 22nd, 2014 at 8:21 pm
and don’t confuse me with a Glennon Mob member (if there is such a thing)I want what’s bets for my team. I just don’t see that many options right now at QB other than Glennon. Until they bring someone else in or draft another one this debate will go on and on and on. We have no one on the Bucs roster to compare Glennon with.
and yes I’m STILL in the defense wins championships club. I don’t care what the dynamics of the game are today.
January 22nd, 2014 at 8:36 pm
So you don’t think there’s anyone better than Glennon in this draft? I’ll bet my house on it there is. I’ll bet my car there’s two better.
January 22nd, 2014 at 8:55 pm
QB’s that will be available. No I don’t and have said so in the past.
January 22nd, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Joe we don’t know if mike is the guy- we had this crap gm who placed no talent around him- calling Dom a rock star is like calling freeman franchise qb
January 22nd, 2014 at 9:29 pm
“calling Dom a rock star is like calling freeman franchise qb”
LOL Joe did both.
January 22nd, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Get Williams back and draft another talented receiver, and we will really know about Glennon. You can’t tell how good a QB is when a couch FA is your #2 WR, which is basically where we were last year.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:16 am
Hhhhmmm. Most young quarterbacks would love to have two Pro Bowl weapons to use.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:17 am
No wonder you want Glennon. 🙁
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:19 am
Beat the playoff-bound Packers with less talent than Glennon had to work with.
What playoff team did Glennon beat again?
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:22 am
Joe thinks he may just dedicate a QB post each morning for you. There will be another one coming about 10 a.m. Brace yourself. Have a good stiff drink before you click.
Or would you prefer Joe going dark until September, which seems to be your suggestion? No one is forcing you to read every post. If the subject is not to your liking, there will be another post.
Joe always has and always will write about what he likes and interests him. This will not change.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:24 am
LOL Percy Harvin, maybe the biggest (w)uss in the NFL. You sneeze on the guy and he needs to be carted off. You look at him the wrong way and he gets a migraine.
Some weapon. Man, did the Seahawks get fleeced trading for this bum.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:37 am
Joe Says:
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:17 am
” and yes I’m STILL in the defense wins championships club. I don’t care what the dynamics of the game are today”
“No wonder you want Glennon. 🙁 ”
Hey Joe. STOP LYING!
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:45 am
Oh that’s right your friends with that fool on the radio. I forgot.
January 23rd, 2014 at 1:56 am
Oh and btw. You’ve got mail.
January 23rd, 2014 at 2:26 am
“Beat the playoff-bound Packers with less talent than Glennon had to work with.
What playoff team did Glennon beat again?”
BRAVO!!!
What an amazing accomplishment, Free Free is just the greatest lol.
In 5 years in the league, you would hope even the scrubbiest QB could get a few wins in against playoff bound teams.
Smh
January 23rd, 2014 at 3:11 am
How did Brees, Ryan and Newton fare during their rookie seasons? I’m not a MGM cardholder, but Glennon looked promising notwithstanding a suspect scheme and the fact that we don’t know what was specifically asked of him.
January 23rd, 2014 at 4:19 am
we are getting the back up qb from new england…we will finally fleece the pats instead of belichik ganking us
adam from ny
January 23rd, 2014 at 4:22 am
joe do a post on suh or mccoy..who has turned out as a better pick at this point…great off season banter…remember how suh was the man and we wound up with mccoy…let’s hear an accessment now that they have both settled into the league…good topic joe…let hear it broham!
adam from ny
January 23rd, 2014 at 4:23 am
do it…do it… do it…(in my best deep ben stiller voice)
adam from ny