GM Jason Licht talks to JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman along the Bucs’ bench.
Joe is in win-now mode when it comes to the Bucs.
The Bucs’ brass is in win-now _and_ win-later mode simultaneously.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht will not sacrifice the future because he believes the foundation for a very bright one already is in place.
And who could argue with Licht on that point? The Bucs’ trenches are damn good and they’ve got a franchise quarterback in his prime with other high-quality talent on the roster.
The lasting contenders of the NFL know how to build a roster for the present at the future. However, Joe still paces the halls of JoeBucsFan world headquarters yearning for Licht to make a couple of bold moves to improve in free agency next week. Joe can’t shake it.
The Bucs won the NFC South by two games last season and lots of Bucs fans were still annoyed.
That speaks to how high the bar is set for this team and how good it could be with a few more additions. (Yeah, Joe is one of those guys who thinks Tampa fans, collectively, are rather savvy.)
Joe understands wanting to be a playoff team every year. It’s been a glorious five-year run that Joe appreciates daily, but that big prize in February is still the ultimate goal.
It’s ok to take bold chances. Fans would back one or two bold Licht moves and, frankly, the NFL is and always has been an entertainment business. That never should be forgotten by the folks at One Buc Palace.
Lavonte David might not have a 2026 season in his body. Mike Evans has 11 years of mileage on his legs. Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield are six-year veterans. Baker Mayfield rightfully will want a fortune of money come 2027.
It sure feels like this a year to get bold in March and stay smart in April.
Joe trusts Licht to recover brilliantly from a potential salary cap crater. He’s done it before.
The free agency siren goes off Monday at noon.