In recent years, Jason Licht has taken a cautious approach to free agency, opting to play it safe unless the opportunity is nearly guaranteed, like the signing of Tom Brady. While he had success with a low-cost signing like Shaq Barrett, and made a solid move with Ryan Jensen in 2018 (a four-year, $42 million contract), the big-money signings have been too few and far between.
I understand the reasoning behind avoiding expensive contracts for aging veterans to avoid getting burned, but caution shouldn’t lead to paralysis. I’m not referring to low-risk signings like Anthony Walker Jr., Kindle Vildor, Greg Gaines, or Sterling Shepard—those are merely roster fillers. We need difference-makers.
After some years of missed early defensive draft picks, it’s essential to supplement those shortcomings with free agent talent. When players like Devin White, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Logan Hall don’t perform well enough to earn second contracts, that’s money that should be redirected towards filling those talent gaps. This team is trending towards average, especially as our top talents age (like David, Evans, Vea, and Godwin).
A few weeks ago, Licht seemed poised to engage more actively in free agency this offseason, but now it appears he’s hesitant to pursue higher-priced players. I hope this is just him playing coy. If not, his cautious strategy could ultimately backfire. He’s been with the Bucs for 13 years largely because of the successful investments made during the Brady era. Remove those years, and he risks being seen as a GM fearful of making mistakes—a mindset that won’t propel this team forward.
I’m not advocating for spending on every available veteran with a decent track record. What I’m suggesting is a willingness to invest in the right players and make a splash—nothing too drastic, but enough to create some excitement in the Bay Area. We need players who can bolster our defense and energize the fan base for the upcoming season.
Seriously consider trade possibilities for Maxx Crosby, or engage in negotiations for Trey Hendrickson, or pursue a top-notch linebacker like Devin Lloyd. Make a splash. Don’t be afraid to take risks; your biggest mistake lately has been inaction.
pursue a top-notch linebacker like Devin Lloyd.
He had a great year, but you have to acknowledge the Jags didn’t pick up his option last offseason. There was a reason for that.
Yeah, winning the off-season is a lousy idea. The Ravens are worse now than when the season ended AND……they have not way to dig out of it since they put all their eggs in the basket of some steroid using ginger…
@theknees - we won an offseason about 6 years ago, and it led to some big success. Like I said, don’t swing for the fence every swing, but take your shots. Our top level talent is deteriorating.
@biggs3535 I go by what I last saw, and I saw Lloyd all over the field this past year. I saw a guy that would clearly be our best linebacker the day he walks into one big place.
@theknees - we won an offseason about 6 years ago, and it led to some big success. Like I said, don’t swing for the fence every swing, but take your shots. Our top level talent is deteriorating.
Tom Brady was also out there for everyone to grab and we grabbed him without giving up a king’s ransom. Also, he’s Tom flipping Brady. Never give up draft capital for a two year rental coming off of an injury.
Tampa needs health to smile upon our team, address the LB position, and they will be fine. I am a little concerned about the running back position.
@theknees I’ve fought on here for 4 offseasons about our edge players. Everyone always says we’ll be fine and then mid way thru the season they say we have no 4 man pressure. And then we get to the offseason and I fight with everyone again about our edge players. We’ve got to get a productive edge… in free agency or I’ll see you here again next year.
Crosby was a move for a team that's a contender.
We're not one.
Again, this team is far closer to a full house cleaning and rebuild than anything else.
Crosby was a move for a team that's a contender.
We're not one.
Again, this team is far closer to a full house cleaning and rebuild than anything else.
Literally had the same record last season.
@biggs3535 I go by what I last saw, and I saw Lloyd all over the field this past year. I saw a guy that would clearly be our best linebacker the day he walks into one big place.
As a GM, you wouldn’t be concerned about a guy making a big leap in his contract year? I would certainly need to hear good answers to those questions before I give him the large contract he’s looking for.
Crosby was a move for a team that's a contender.
We're not one.
Again, this team is far closer to a full house cleaning and rebuild than anything else.
Literally had the same record last season.
You think these 2 teams are comparable?
LOL!!!
A little homerish to think this is a contender. They've done nothing to prove they can be that in times that are important to show that. They have a lot to prove and it's not going to be any easier than it was.