Bucs basic supervisor Jason Licht has spent greater than a decade constructing one of many NFL’s most steady rosters. However in response to a latest set of rankings from Patrick Daugherty of NBC Sports activities, he’s nonetheless not even a high 10 basic supervisor.
Within the newest GM rankings launched by NBC Sports activities, Licht got here in at No. 12, a placement that raised eyebrows contemplating his resume and sustained success in Tampa Bay. The critique largely centered round his document with out Tom Brady, noting that the Buccaneers haven’t reached elite win totals within the post-Brady period and have just one playoff victory with out the long run Corridor of Fame quarterback.
Jason Licht Not Ranked As A Prime 10 GM Is Shocking…And Incorrect
Right here’s what Daugherty mentioned about Jason Licht:
“Jason Licht has been on the job 12 years. The number of times he’s won more than 10 games without the greatest player in league history? Zero. In fact, Licht has one total playoff victory without Mr. Thomas Brady. Of course, it came three years ago immediately following TB12’s retirement. In fact, Licht has had his best non-Brady stretch since the GOAT hung up his cleats. The problem is, that “best stretch” has been 9, 10 and eight victories. Removed from horrible.”
“Also far from inspiring, especially in the sleepy NFC South. There isn’t much reason to expect any near-term revelations. The defense is old and in need of a talent infusion. Admittedly, Rueben Bain is a good start there. Baker Mayfield is a credible option at quarterback, but not a 5-10 year solution. Coach Todd Bowles is solid but not winning any Xs and Os battles. Mike Evans is gone, Chris Godwin is aging … you get the picture. Licht needs something big to happen. Maybe Bain can be that player for 2026. But with another Brady not walking through that door, Licht needs several Bains to emerge, not just one.”
There are some legitimate factors on this dialog, though to not have him within the high 10 is a part of a stretch. There’s little question that the Bucs ought to in all probability have capitalized extra from a down NFC South division. Sure, Licht had one season of greater than 10 wins, however doesn’t he deserve credit score for bringing Tom Brady within the first place?
Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photograph by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
Licht is the architect of the Buccaneers’ Tremendous Bowl LV roster and has continued to maintain the workforce aggressive even after Brady’s retirement. His capacity to transition from a championship core into a brand new period — whereas nonetheless contending for division titles — is one thing few basic managers have pulled off efficiently. Shouldn’t he get credit score for conserving the workforce afloat when Brady left and Baker Mayfield arrived?
The final supervisor in Tampa Bay has an merchandise that many others don’t on this listing: a Tremendous Bowl ring.
Why The Criticism Of Jason Licht And Bucs Isn’t All Authentic
Whereas it’s fully truthful to query Todd Bowles and the defensive struggles, the criticism over the offense is a bit puzzling. Baker Mayfield simply turned 31, and to say he’s not a 5-10-year resolution when quarterbacks play into their 40s lately doesn’t add up. It’s completely cheap to recommend that Mayfield may very well be enjoying very nicely 5 years from now at age 36.
A reference was made to the huge receiver room with Chris Godwin Jr. growing older, however fails to acknowledge that the Bucs have tons of younger gamers ready within the wings with Jalen McMillan going into yr three, Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johson heading into yr two, and Tampa Bay drafting Ted Hurst within the third spherical of this yr’s draft. By the way in which, Egbuka was a finalist in voting for NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors final yr and may solely develop extra this season.
Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
In comparison with different rankings, the No. 12 slot feels much more questionable. Licht has been positioned as excessive as the highest 10 in different latest evaluations, reinforcing the concept his physique of labor is broadly revered throughout the league.
On the finish of the day, Licht’s accomplishments stack up with nearly anybody – a Tremendous Bowl championship, a number of division titles and a roster that continues to evolve. If something, being ranked outdoors the highest 10 says extra concerning the volatility of offseason lists than it does concerning the job he’s finished in Tampa Bay.
Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
And if the Bucs take one other step ahead this season, don’t be shocked if Licht shortly climbs again up the place many imagine he already belongs.
