The list of NFL franchises (and general managers) with four consecutive division titles following a Super Bowl victory is extremely short.
The Bucs are on that list (2020-2024). And it’s a microscopic group if you only include teams like the Bucs with multiple starting quarterbacks over the five-season stretch.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht knows how to build a roster and a staff.
He’s a damn good GM, but is he the best in the NFL?
Albert Breer of SI.com set out to identify the top-dog GM via midseason survey of NFL general managers, VPs, directors of player personnel and directors of pro scouting.
Licht ranked tied for second with Colts GM Chris Ballard, who finally found a quarterback.
Executive of the Year: John Schneider, Seahawks (23)
Also receiving votes: Colts GM Chris Ballard (5), Buccaneers GM Jason Licht (5), Eagles GM Howie Roseman (4), Lions GM Brad Holmes (1), Chargers GM Joe Hortiz (1), Broncos GM George Paton (1), Rams GM Les Snead (1), Patriots EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf (1)
Schneider has elicited a ton of respect from his peers over the years, and this is a strong indication of that. That said, he also thoroughly deserves this one. The foundation of this team was built, in part, through the return he received for Russell Wilson. And as guys such as Smith-Njigba, Charles Cross, Devon Witherspoon and Byron Murphy came aboard, Schneider effectively replaced Wilson with Geno Smith, then added Sam Darnold. Every GM who’s been around for as long as Schneider has (16 seasons) has his ups and downs. But it’s fair to say that, of late, the Seahawks’ long-time boss has been on quite the heater.
Joe finds this poll annoying because the Bucs beat the Seahawks in Seattle.
Regardless, Licht is in solid position to win Executive of the Year for the first time — if the Bucs can continue to win. And Haason Reddick and Chris Godwin contributing to those wins would go a long way toward helping Licht eat this prestigious “W.”