Licht’s legacy of not drafting offensive linemen
Finally, the last lapse in judgment with the Bucs front office is extending Jason Licht, despite his inability to manage the cap. As far as cap space relative to level of play is concerned, in 2019 the Bucs are one of the worst in the league.
Many players, such as Donovan Smith, command a high salary, yet back up little with their level of play. Players such as kick return specialists, also dot the roster while providing little as far as special teams are concerned and mostly only serve as a drain on the cap. Teams like the Colts have over 100 million dollars in cap space for 2020 and are in position to make the playoffs, despite their franchise quarterback retiring before the start of their season.
It has been a decade since the Buccaneers used a first rounder on an offensive lineman, and it shows in a big way. This unit is currently ranked just outside the bottom five in the league in pass protection, and in the bottom third in rushing offense.
Quarterback Jameis Winston has been sacked the third most times in the league, and has been hit the fourth-most of any quarterback in the NFL. This is a recipe for losing football, and a recipe that has gone just as many would expect it to.
Speaking of Winston, we will get to him next.