Buccaneers GM Jason Licht deserves a tip of the cap for a home-run offseason

Jason Licht has been the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2014, and he’s built a reputation as one of the best roster builders in the NFL.

While the Buccaneers’ 3-5 record through eight games doesn’t reflect the amount of talent on this roster, Licht and his front office quietly put together an incredible offseason.

Tampa Bay is getting significant contributions from both its free agency class and its rookie draft class, and the team’s personnel decisions this offseason are already aging like fine wine. Licht deserves a tip of the cap for nailing yet another offseason.

Jason Licht’s Buccaneers offseason roster additions are already paying off

Josiah Trotter is a cornerstone piece for the Bucs’ defense

No offseason addition has been as impactful as second-round draft pick Josiah Trotter.

Trotter leads the Bucs with 68 total tackles — 25 more than the team’s next closest tackler despite missing a game due to injury. He also has a sack, an interception and three passes defensed.

Trotter looks like the best pick of the draft class and the future face of Tampa Bay’s defense. He’s shaping up to be another home run draft pick for Jason Licht. 

A’Shawn Robinson has emerged as a veteran leader

A’Shawn Robinson has been the Bucs’ best free agency addition, making his presence felt through both leadership and on-field production.

Robinson has 22 total tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. His PFF run defense grade ranks second among all defensive tackles.

He’s been an underrated but important addition to Todd Bowles’ defense.

Rueben Bain Jr. is hitting his groove as an impact pass rusher

Bain didn’t burst onto the scene and take the league by storm, but he’s been heating up quickly in recent weeks.

He’s recorded seven pressures and a sack over the last three games. He’s also contributed to several interceptions through pressures or deflections.

It’s taking the rookie some time to blossom, but Bain is showing early signs of being a disruptive force off the edge.

Keionte Scott has given the Buccaneers’ secondary a boost

Keionte Scott’s ability to step right in as the starting nickel allowed Jacob Parrish to kick outside, where he's been one of the best bcornerbacks in the NFL.

Scott has recorded 39 tackles, including two for loss, and a sack. He’s been solid in pass defense with four passes broken up.

Todd Bowles has gone on the record Scott is one of his favorite players on the roster. His immediate impact has given the secondary quite a boost.

Kenny Gainwell has found a key role in the Bucs' backfield 

Kenny Gainwell was severely underutilized early, but he’s finally found a significant role in the offense, and it’s paying off. 

Gainwell rushed for 88 yards in Week 7 and a career-high 140 yards in Week 8. He’s formed a 1A-1B tandem alongside Bucky Irving and is a key piece of the offense. 

If he can continue to produce at this level, he’ll go down as one of the best signings in all of free agency across the league. 

Al-Quadin Muhammad has improved the edge rotation

The addition of Al-Quadin Muhammad to a rotation that already features Rueben Bain Jr., Yaya Diaby and David Walker has helped form one of the deepest pass rush groups the Buccaneers have had in years.

Muhammad has two sacks on the season, including one that resulted in a forced fumble returned for a touchdown.

Adding him as a rotational depth piece was a savvy move by the front office.

Bauer Sharp is a blocking machine

Bauer Sharp is a willing and capable blocker and has already become an important piece of the running game as a result.

Jason Licht and his staff must have seen something on film, because they traded up in the sixth round to ensure they landed Sharp. So far, it’s paid off.

His run blocking ability is what gets him on the field, and that will eventually result in opportunities in the passing game. Sharp could very well prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.

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