“We Had A Beef; He Just Happened To Be The GM”
February 6th, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht fell out of favor with one of the more notable figures in Bucs history.
No, Joe’s not talking about Antonio Brown, who was known to hurl trash in Licht’s direction.
Joe’s referring to six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
McCoy clarified on The Green Light podcast this week that when fans heard he was mad at the Bucs after getting released before the start of the 2019 season, it wasn’t a Team Glazer thing or an issue with the new coaching staff.
It was a rage at Licht.
“The bad relationship was a narrative,” McCoy said. “It wasn’t the Bucs, it was me and Jason Licht. We had a beef, he just happened to be the GM. So it trickled down to, ‘oh, Gerald and the Bucs.’ And we worked that out [in 2019] right before we played [the Bucs] in London. I hugged the dude right before the game and made you all pay for it.”
McCoy was referring to his then-Panthers team beating the Bucs 37-26 overseas. McCoy had 2 1/2 sacks against his old team.
Unfortunately, McCoy didn’t explain his “beef.” McCoy was cut in May of 2019 with another year of his fat contract on the table. Perhaps money was McCoy’s beef, but Joe suspects it was more about timing, communication and the Bucs later handing McCoy’s No. 93 to Ndamukong Suh.
Joe’s just guessing. Perhaps it their issue was more personal.
Regardless, McCoy said his Bucs relationship is “fully rebuilt” and he is flattered that Team Glazer insisted McCoy be interviewed for the team’s 50th anniversary documentary that is being produced for this summer.
February 6th, 2025 at 8:54 am
GMC was a kid in a beast body. Enjoyed watching him play and enjoy his takes now.
February 6th, 2025 at 9:03 am
Going after Suh was the perfect move. No won’t insult McCoy he’s just not the same run stuffer he’s a pass rusher. Suh is the intimidating player we needed because that’s never been McCoy
February 6th, 2025 at 9:04 am
I sincerely appreciate how much McCoy loves and supports the Bucs. I appreciate his contributions, he will always be a buc. That being said – Suh was a massive upgrade. Suh is the biggest reason why the Bucs defense was feared and nasty. They were bullies for a few yrs and it started with that big bad mfer that replaced Gerald. The mean streak and taking on double teams is what helped vita and the edge. Frankly I wish he was the one we had since 2012
February 6th, 2025 at 9:06 am
This from the guy who would help the QB off the turf and ask if he was ok
February 6th, 2025 at 9:13 am
Get past the past; and, go get Garrett.
February 6th, 2025 at 9:15 am
I’ve got McCoy’s alarm clock jersey and will still wear it sometimes, even though he blocked me on Twitter
February 6th, 2025 at 9:19 am
Gofortheface30 Says:
February 6th, 2025 at 9:04 am
I sincerely appreciate how much McCoy loves and supports the Bucs. I appreciate his contributions, he will always be a buc. That being said – Suh was a massive upgrade. Suh is the biggest reason why the Bucs defense was feared and nasty. They were bullies for a few yrs and it started with that big bad mfer that replaced Gerald. The mean streak and taking on double teams is what helped vita and the edge. Frankly I wish he was the one we had since 2012
This is the correct take. Well done. McCoy is a better Buc off the team. H does well on media and seems well informed on the Buccaneers team and NFL in general when compared to other NFL media types. Go get them GMac
February 6th, 2025 at 10:10 am
Can this big-gummed / small toothed, loud mouth, attention w***e, softy, career loser, figurine playing man-baby just go away please?!!!!!
February 6th, 2025 at 10:12 am
I always assumed it was Arians who told Licht he didn’t want GMC on his team – and to go get Suh….
February 6th, 2025 at 10:14 am
I’m sorry to hack everybody off, and I like GMac and respect Sapp but Suh was probably next to Selmon on the best defensive lineman to wear Buc’s colors!
He was never really appreciated (D.R. excepted) for the incredible value he was for EVERY team he played for. Mean and yes sometimes downright nasty, Suh was the epitome of FOCUS!
A list of players Todd did NOT inherit from the SB team
1.) and 1A) SUH!!!
2.)Close behind JPP!!!
3.) For a brief shining moment before his head exploded DW45!!! He was GREAT….for awhile.
4.)Shaq Barrett in his prime!!
That’s FOUR HUGE losses on the D for those who still yammer about Todd inheriting a SB defense.
In terms of last year you could also add 5.) Antoine Winfield!!!
AW is GREAT and a game changer WHEN he is HEALTHY!
And so the rebuild continues and the Bucs appear on their way. You know they’re getting the talent when even Rod makes excellent points about YaYa and Braswell and everybody loves the interior now with VV and Calijah!!!
REPLACE DW 45 and get AW healthy and the Bucs are ready to roll!!!
February 6th, 2025 at 10:55 am
StPeteBucsfan….
You are right Suh and JPP pretty tough to replace but let’s not act like 2 players decimate the D and defend Todd. He oversaw the decline of D.White. Still had Vea, Lavonte, both starting CBs and Winfield. Licht then threw multiple high picks at trying to replace Suh and JPP, didn’t work out but how much of that is because of coaching and development?
Bowles is back. You defenders can shut it down for awhile.
February 6th, 2025 at 11:26 am
A general manager held him accountable for his pay rate for once and didn’t automatically anoint him the face of the franchise.
February 6th, 2025 at 11:28 am
“big-gummed / small toothed”
Savage!!!
February 6th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
I wasn’t a fan of the player but to be fair he is damn good on TV and he always advocates for the Bucs.
February 6th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Suh >>>>>>>>>>>> Geraldine
February 6th, 2025 at 3:09 pm
Who cares if Suh was a better player.
We pretty much can all agree Suh was needed at the right time!!
McCoy is advocating for the team and Suh isn’t.
Garrett could bring another SB to Tampa.
February 6th, 2025 at 3:31 pm
I agree with so many. McCoy had lost his ump and wasn’t producing like had and as been said, you don’t sack the QB and then help him up and ask if he’s alright 😊😊
February 6th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
McCoy. Most over rated player in history of NFL….Horrible and a loud mouth. He produced squadish.
February 7th, 2025 at 1:00 am
Beef was the number thing if I remember and I think Gerald felt like he kinda got hung out to dry and no one at One Buc had his back.
Fat contracts and average play lead to people going elsewhere in the NFL Gerald.
Add Suh. He outplayed McCoy by a huge amount and made it very hard for Licht to justify his salary.
Go Bucs!