Read-Option: Confidence In Licht?

We had this conversation during the offseason, but with everything that’s happened recently and up to this point in the season, it’s worth revisiting.

What do you all think of Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht?

Is he your guy?

Licht is 46 years old. He’s currently in the fourth year of his four-year contract and a decision will have to be made on his future this offseason – whether head coach Dirk Keotter stays or goes.

Licht did not have a great first two years as Tampa Bay’s general manager. As was discussed on the first page, his first two drafts were hit and miss. In 2014, Licht also signed the likes of Michael Johnson, Anthony Collins and Alterraun Verner to free agent deals that none of them ever lived up to. Licht did re-sign Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, so that was a huge plus.

Outside of the 2015 draft, there wasn’t much movement free agency-wise outside of signing linebacker Bruce Carter. Licht did re-sign Pro Bowl linebacker Lavonte David to a contract extension that year, which was key.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In 2016, Licht signed Robert Ayers and Brent Grimes, which were good moves, and punter Bryan Anger, which turned out to be a great move. But Licht re-signed Doug Martin to a deal that proved to be too much and signed guard J.R. Sweezy, who couldn’t even play that year due to a back injury and isn’t the player they signed him to be even now that he’s fully healthy.

In 2017, Licht made a big splash with free agents in DeSean Jackson, Chris Baker and J.J. Wilcox, and even made the move to upgrade Wilcox with T.J. Ward when he saw the chance.

The thing about Licht, and what might help him the most with getting a new contract, is that, though he has had his fair share of misses in the draft and free agency, he’s shown the mentality to not let many mistakes linger longer than they need to, and that he’s not afraid to make moves. He also appears to be trending upward on the decisions that he makes in the draft and free agency, which means he could very well be coming into his stride as a G.M.

Hitting so many home runs in the 2017 draft class and showing the aggressive nature to attract and assemble top free agents recently is what bolsters his case with the Glazers, but is that enough for you?

Are you satisfied with where Licht has this team going? Has he done enough or have you lost faith. Does the lack of production on the offensive and defensive lines concern you so much that you don’t think he can or will make it better, or do you have faith that that’s what he’ll address the most in 2018?

Can you see the Licht?

Do you believe in it?