Another Test For Offensive Line Guru Jason Licht
July 9th, 2025
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht has answered the bell in recent years when it comes to his beloved offensive line.
Licht consistenly has delivered answers.
Last year, starting right tackle Luke Goedeke suffered a concussion in Week 1 and was next seen on the field in Week 6. After a nightmare game in Week 2 replacing Goedeke, backup tackle Justin Skule settled in quickly and played well.
Disaster averted.
The Bucs averaged 23 points per game with Skule starting and had a 2-2 record. Goedeke was missed but Licht’s inexperienced backup got the job done.
Flashback to the Super Bowl season of 2020. Starting right guard Alex Cappa went down in the playoffs and backup Aaron Stinnie, undrafted out of James Madison University, was money in three postseason starts, the first starts of his career.
Joe could give other examples.
Today, unfortunately, brings another test. Fresh news of Tristan Wirfs having a knee setback and surgery means he could miss a few games to start the 2025 season. Skule is now on the Vikings and was replaced in Tampa by journeyman veteran Charlie Heck.
Heck, 28, is a mountain of a man at 6-8 and roughly 320 pounds. He’s made 23 career starts, including two last year for San Francisco.
Ask the Bucs, and they’ll quietly tell you Heck is a better athlete than Skule and stronger, and more experienced.
Nobody wants to lose Tristan Wirfs, but don’t expect panic at One Buc Palace, especially after Heck attened the entire spring program and worked with the first team as Wirfs nursed his knee.
Joe would love to see the Bucs find a veteran tackle to help, but Joe won’t lose sleep if they don’t go there. Licht’s built up too much street cred for a freakout.