Jason Licht Refers To “Others” Involved In Talks With Tom Brady’s Return
March 24th, 2022
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht offered tremendous nuggets on SiriusXM Radio yesterday.
One item jumped out at Joe because of the mystery involved.
Now we have all heard that both Licht and Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians had talks with Tom Brady in the 10 days or so leading up to when Brady announced he was coming back.
In Licht’s visit with popular national sports radio and TV personality Adam Schein, heard exclusively on the Mad Dog Radio channel, Licht twice referenced “others” who were also talking with Brady from One Buc Palace.
Adam Schein: Listen, I am curious your mentality after Tom [Brady] retired. Because, there were a lot of people who didn’t believe it. You obviously, you kind of have to tread lightly. You know there is a chance, as you said, to leave the light on. What was the mentality for you after the original retirement and when did you realize, “OK, we are going to get the GOAT back?”
Jason Licht: Well, after the original talk we had with him, that I had with him — I know he also called Bruce [and] others in the organization — I understood and was very supportive of him, for everything he has done for us. Everybody has a moment when they think it might be time. Bruce and I and others in the organization basically, we just decided to give him some space and let him think this through a little bit. We had several phone calls with him. Sometimes talking football; sometimes not. Bruce was heavily involved in that too. When he decided he was going to come back [laughs], I have gone on record as saying it was a sense of relief. But we were all just ecstatic that we have a chance to do this again with him and compete for a title again with him. And it has been an awesome two years and hopefully, it will be an awesome three-year-plus if not more than three with him.
Yes, you read that correctly. Brady has not ruled out playing for the Bucs in 2023 and beyond! Joe is so stoked about that.
(Notice how many of these Bucs free agents have signed three-year contracts? No, Joe doesn’t believe in coincidences.)
So who are these mysterious “others” Licht twice referenced? The bean counters? The cafeteria chef to make sure she has avocado ice cream stocked?
Given the fact Brady met with Team Glazer in Manchester, England, the day before Brady announced his unretirement, the “others” involved must have been Team Glazer. Given that Brady is probably the most important player the Bucs have ever had (that’s no knock on Derrick Brooks or Warren Sapp or Lee Roy Selmon’s family), it’s logical that ownership would be involved in coaxing Brady out of retirement.
March 24th, 2022 at 12:13 am
You know the Glazers were involved.
March 24th, 2022 at 12:16 am
Others might mean Byron and Clyde.
March 24th, 2022 at 12:29 am
My drunken theory…..The family went to their home in Costa Rico, had a family discussion and agreed on Tom playing 2 more seasons. The third year in the recent contracts are just to spread out the cap hit. GO BUCS
March 24th, 2022 at 12:29 am
All hands were on deck. Key sentence is ‘compete for the championship’. With Brady we are competitive. W/O him not.
March 24th, 2022 at 12:30 am
1+1=2
March 24th, 2022 at 12:37 am
Hey Tom, please come back for 3 more years
March 24th, 2022 at 12:46 am
LETS GOOOOOOOOO
March 24th, 2022 at 12:53 am
That’s not a bad theory.
March 24th, 2022 at 1:39 am
I mean look at new season ticket holders they have to buy for 22’ & 23’ coincidences I think NOT
March 24th, 2022 at 2:37 am
Three years also matches the original plan to play until age 45.
Do you believe he will physically hold up and continue at a high level for 3 straight? If the answer is yes, that allows room for roster adjustments and a longer time frame.
But let’s be realistic. Every year is a gamble. He is one Bountygate hit from permanent retirement. Therefore, I think this coming season really should be the all-in. Gather the star power right now. No room for mistakes, personnel or coaching.
March 24th, 2022 at 2:43 am
To me it is quite obvious that his ultimate goal is to be named “Tommy Ten Rings” along as being the GOAT.
March 24th, 2022 at 3:15 am
(Notice how many of these Bucs free agents have signed three-year contracts? No, Joe doesn’t believe in coincidences.) – Joe
Exactly what I mentioned yesterday.
I will say this though: This team has gotten a big taste of winning. We see franchises that are accustomed to winning switch QBs all the time and somehow manage to win…so I won’t rule out that possibility in Tampa.
I think if Brady goes down to injury for more than 2-3 weeks, he’ll retire and stay that way. Especially if a young backup does very well. It is, after all, how Brady got his start.
March 24th, 2022 at 3:37 am
@Steele, He will be 45 at the beginning of the upcoming season. If the goal is truly 45, he’s done after this season.
March 24th, 2022 at 5:18 am
Wow sounds like Brady really hates Bruce Arians
March 24th, 2022 at 5:28 am
@Rayjay1122,
Been saying the same thing since we won 55. He wants to complete both hands. As long as everything else is a green light out of football, I can surely see him aiming for that goal.
But, he may just as well be content with 8 and leave the thumbs out of it. LOL.
March 24th, 2022 at 6:36 am
Love reading this stuff. Especially love the absence of the trolls since they’ve proven they were full of it, as we all knew.
March 24th, 2022 at 7:12 am
Personally, I don’t care who was involved. I’m just glad he’s back.
March 24th, 2022 at 7:29 am
Hopefully there will be lots of cannons being fired for the next few years at Ray Jay! Go Bucs!! 🐐
March 24th, 2022 at 7:49 am
i think the glazers promised him a piece of ownership. man u bucs or both. that’s the nfl salary that never retires
March 24th, 2022 at 8:17 am
Red Neck Shores exactly.
March 24th, 2022 at 8:46 am
He is the best player in the NFL, loves the game and has a great life even with the sacrifices he makes to be great.
March 24th, 2022 at 9:01 am
I’m sure Mike Evans made a couple calls and or texts too! GO BUCS!!
March 24th, 2022 at 9:17 am
The Glazers have played the Tom Brady situation perfectly since the team showed interest in 2020. Anyone who disagrees is just a hater.
March 24th, 2022 at 9:48 am
Actually he discussed things with Todd Bowles and got an agreement that he could call defensive plays when games are on the line…..
Brady, covering all bases before his return.
March 24th, 2022 at 10:50 am
@TBBF:
HA! Good one. But seriously, is it a stretch to think that Brady might just be an “expert” in defense, also? How can he not be after studying and torching NFL defenses for 22 years?
GO BUCS!!
March 24th, 2022 at 12:06 pm
BEST TB12 CONTRIBUTION … LEGACY
Had TB12 retired, the Bucs had two options: 1. Give up picks and $$$ for a marquis QB (Watson). 2. Tank next season for a QB. Both would majorly set the organization back.
TB12 return allows Licht to sign FA to multiyear deals and reload aging players through the draft. The Bucs will be reloaded at roll players for 3-5 years after this offseason. Next year, they can focus on TB12’s replacement without mortgaging the future.
TB12 deserves the Ring of Honor.
March 24th, 2022 at 3:29 pm
“others” = Look – here is a large paper bag – this must be yours Tommy… I wonder if there’s anything inside….
March 24th, 2022 at 6:56 pm
My theory is Tom told everyone including Arians
I f I want help w the offensive game plan
I’ll ask for it.