Despite the team’s recent struggles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed some faith in general manager Jason Licht.
According to Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have extended Jason Licht’s contract through the 2019 season.
Licht’s tenure began with Tampa Bay back in 2014 and during that time the Bucs have gone 22-42. Even with the team’s record far below .500, Licht has done a solid job adding talent since his time with the franchise began.
Thanks to Licht, the Buccaneers have a direction. Tampa finally features a core of players who can lead a team towards the playoffs. Players like Mike Evans, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander are all Licht draft selections.
While he has added new talent through the Draft, he has taken care of players in-house. Licht has ensured Lavonte David, Gerald McCoy and Demar Dotson remained with the Bucs.
Of course, Licht is also prone to misses. He drafted Roberto Aguayo in the second round and signed free agent flops like Michael Johnson and J.R. Sweezy.
Licht’s tenure will likely be defined by his selection of Jameis Winston. The polarizing quarterback has proven he can be a viable starter on the field but hasn’t shown maturity off the field.
As Winston’s future with the team is in doubt, the same can be said for Licht, even with the extension. The next two years will be critical for Licht and the entire Buccaneers front office.
Do you have faith in Licht? How much blame will he take if the Bucs miss the playoffs?