After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
The litigating lush has spent the past few weeks trying to push the narrative that the Bucs INTENTIONALLY moved on to avoid bigger contracts for aging vets.
You can never question the leghumping skills of the loon. First-team All-Pro. Elite.
The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
Can I ask because I don't follow this and it seems to be on some dispute but if your numbers are accurate (seem to be) then to bring on a top FA (like someone in the 15-20APY) the Bucs would need some combo of LVD retiring and restructuring one of their big contracts?
The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
Bucs don't need $11 million to sign the draft class because there is shuffling around happening due to top 51 contracts counting and that will change once these players have signed their contracts. And being cap compliant happens before the season starts with cutdowns.
For example T. Johnson cap number was $870,985.00 for 2025. The 2025 veteran minimum exceeded that if I recall correctly so that means that T. Johnson cap number was not part of the top 51 for example (very simplified) for most of the off season until countdowns that is when his salary was officially counted against the cap when he made the team.
The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
Bucs don't need $11 million to sign the draft class because there is shuffling around happening due to top 51 contracts counting and that will change once these players have signed their contracts. And being cap compliant happens before the season starts with cutdowns.
For example T. Johnson cap number was $870,985.00 for 2025. The 2025 veteran minimum exceeded that if I recall correctly so that means that T. Johnson cap number was not part of the top 51 for example (very simplified) for most of the off season until countdowns that is when his salary was officially counted against the cap when he made the team.
right so teams are usually setting aside $5 or 6 million for draft class instead of $11 in this example because the actual amount the team needs is just the difference between the draft class and the guys at the bottom of the 51?
so the $11 in the example is probably more like $5 million?
According to SPOTRAK LVD isn't even listed as part of the team roster. If LVD plays for the Bucs in 2026 than he needs to sign a new contract which reduces the Bucs spending cap.The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
Can I ask because I don't follow this and it seems to be on some dispute but if your numbers are accurate (seem to be) then to bring on a top FA (like someone in the 15-20APY) the Bucs would need some combo of LVD retiring and restructuring one of their big contracts?
According to SPOTRAK LVD isn't even listed as part of the team roster. If LVD plays for the Bucs in 2026 than he needs to sign a new contract which reduces the Bucs spending cap.The $15 million cap space is the top 51. Go to www.spotrac.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/overview to find out for yourself.After renegotiating a bunch of contracts (kicking the salary cap can down the road) and signing the Free Agents, the Bucs now have a little over $15 million in salary cap space. Around $11 million of that is needed to sign the draft class. That leaves the Bucs with a $4 million reserve to use to sign players who get cut before the season starts or in season if injuries dictate signing additional players.
That is not entirely accurate as the top 51 contracts count against the cap so effective cap space is actually greater.
Can I ask because I don't follow this and it seems to be on some dispute but if your numbers are accurate (seem to be) then to bring on a top FA (like someone in the 15-20APY) the Bucs would need some combo of LVD retiring and restructuring one of their big contracts?
Okay thanks for the info. Last year I think he played for $9 million, so if that is not included then they are tight even if the amount allocated to draft picks is lower. Who knows if he plays in 2026 but using @alldaways take that (Licht says he is welcome back = Bowles wants him back) then the Bucs only really have draft pick $ without redoing someone's deal.
I think this is the point SR was trying to make about veteran contracts
But but but but Licht got us out of the Brady cap issue era....smdh...you people that think Jason Licht is a good GM are freaking out to lunch
Look at that the Bucs have cap space to sign LB Christian Rozeboom on a one year deal. Licht finally waking up to reality and if LVD wants to come back that is fine but can't wait for him to make a decision or wait for the draft to solve issues.
But but but but Licht got us out of the Brady cap issue era....smdh...you people that think Jason Licht is a good GM are freaking out to lunch
no he's not
we were fooled by the Bruce Arians era we will call it
you can sum up Licht in 3 eras
Hot Seat About to Get Fired (2014 - 2017) - His best draft pick was his first one in Mike Evans. He had 15 draft picks in the first 4 rounds during those 4 seasons. Draft picks that were "Hits" - Mike Evans (2014), Ali Marpet (2015), Donovan Smith (2015), and Chris Godwin (2017). That's pretty bad.
In those 4 seasons, the Bucs have finished in last place in 3 out of 4 of those seasons. They went through 2 head coaches and their best season was a 9 win season wherethey missed playoffs.
Not looking good for Jason Licht
Our best GM of all time (2018 -2021) - The next 4 years are where Jason Licht supporters will hang their hat. He had 18 draft picks in the first 4 rounds. Draft picks that were "hits" - Vita Vea (2018), Carlton Davis (2018), Jamel Dean (2019), Tristian Wirfs (2020), Antonio Winfield Jr (2020) with other draft picks being key contributors during superbowl run - Ronald Jones (2018), Alex Cappa (2018), Jordan Whitehead (2018), Devin White (2019), Sean Murphy Bunting (2019), Mike Edwards (2019), Anthony Nelson (2019). Alot of key support personnel on that Super Bowl team.
Clearly it was supported by the GOAT joining the team in 2020 which the Bucs saw a Superbowl victory followed it up with a franchise best in regular season wins with 13 in 2021. Clearly the 2021 draft was a terrible one, arguably only 2016 being worse (Vernon Hargreaves, Noah Spence, Roberto Aguayo draft).
This tenure saw us go from 4th with Koetter to Superbowl and legit contenders with Arians. It truly was a time to be a Buc Fan during those Brady Years
Mediocre (2022 -2025) - Is there really any other way to describe these last 4 seasons. He had 16 draft picks in the first 4 rounds. Draft picks that were "hits" - Luke Goedeke (2022), Yaya Diaby (2023), Bucky Irving (2024). Not exactly great. Some key contributors include Cade Otton (2022), Cody Mauch (2023), Tykee Smith (2024), Graham Barton (2024) and Emeka Egbuka (2025). Some potential include Benjamin Morrison (2025), Jacob Parrish (2025), Jalen McMillian (2024), and Calijah Kancey(2023)
The team finished 8-9, 9-8, and 10-7 in the first 3 years here all winning division; resulting in Bradys only losing season as a pro; long mid season losing streaks in the 2 winning years, a playoff record of 1-3. Most blue chip franchises would be upset with these records; talking the Ravens, Eagles, Chiefs, etc. However, for a franchise that hasn't won a non Brady playoff game since 2002, we were really happy with these performances
not much to say about 2025 performance. a 6 -2 start ended with another in season losing streak to finish 2-7, and 8-9 and miss playoffs. Not many coaches survive that losing streak
The Fact of the matter is, Licht was prompted up by his 2018, 2019, and 2020 drafts; the GOAT and Arians joining the franchise. You take away those 3 drafts and really the 2020, 2021, and 2024 years, it's been shit to mediocre at best for his 12 year tenure.
Will Licht get another 4? i am not so sure.
Licht has adjusted how he drafts players which is why since the 2021 draft he has turned it around. The challenge for him is drafting impact players and the reason why I think Licht struggles is that they look at potential too much and young age (eg 20). That is why they deviated and started drafting older prospects lately (eg Walker 25 years old). Bucs don't have time or the coaching staff to bring along players like it is the NCAA.
NFL contracts means the players have to hit the ground running which is why the team has relied on rookies carrying them through the cap crunch the last three years. But at some point they need to be drafting players that have the potential to be great for 10 years instead of being plugged in jags to fill in a depth chart like the 2021 was projected to be.
Licht has adjusted how he drafts players which is why since the 2021 draft he has turned it around. The challenge for him is drafting impact players and the reason why I think Licht struggles is that they look at potential too much and young age (eg 20). That is why they deviated and started drafting older prospects lately (eg Walker 25 years old).
but i'd argue 2022 on haven't been great either. The barometer shouldn't be "can they start on this team" but rather are they impactful starters
Drafting Wirfs and AWJ was amazing back in 2020. Everything just went right. Not expecting all time great Bucs every draft but
2022 - Ehh
Hall and White didn't make it to second contracts with us, wouldn't call it a hit. Conversely Otton did and i wouldn't call him a hit either. I guess given his 4th round capital he was solid but hes a top 20 tight end, not exactly great "hit". Goedeke is solid and Zyon McCollum was good value in the 5th but the premature extenstion hurts a bit.
2023 - Ehh
Kancey may not make it to a second contract, Mauch is solid and Yaya is good.
2024 - Potential
With Barton, Smith, McMillian, and Bucky...this is clearly the best draft in the last 4 with Licht. Alot of potential here to be a great draft
2025 - too early
Edbuka looked great his first 8 games, disappeared the 2nd half. Morrison and Parrish showing promise and need to step up this year.
so 2024 has a chance to be like the 2018 to 2020 Licht drafting
Evans shut down his Tampa charities today? A little unusual but maybe more to the story
"
Jason Licht told the team websitethat Johnson will be an emerging player in 2026, especially after the loss of Mike Evans.
“Tez, in the role that they’re going to carve out for him, which will expand, is going to be exciting,” Licht said.
Licht also said Egbuka and third-year receiver Jalen McMillan will benefit most from Evans bolting from town. Licht suggested both have what it takes to “become names in this league.”