GM Jason Licht Taking Different Approach To Restock Bucs

As the Bucs continue to evaluate college prospects at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, they are in the beginning part of reshaping a team that has gone to the playoffs in the past three seasons. For general manager Jason Licht, that also means evaluating the talent on the roster currently.

Moves have already been reported in recent days for some veterans that will be jumping ship. It is expected that the team will be releasing left tackle Donovan Smith, running back Leonard Fournette, and tight end Cam Brate. These moves are just some of what will continue to be announced before free agency opens on March 15th at 4:00 p.m. ET.

These roster cuts are not to mention the retirement of quarterback Tom Brady, a laundry list of free agents on their way out, and the team needing an influx of talent on both sides of the ball. With all of this in mind, this week will be a monumental step in game-planning how the Bucs will bring aboard a new cast of players that can replicate the team’s recent success.

Licht discussed much of what this process entails during his open media availability on Tuesday.

GM Jason Licht Hopes To Restock Bucs Roster To Compete

In Licht’s eyes, 2023 is not a rebuilding year. There is too much talent to put a hole in the ship before the season starts. In a year in which each team in the NFC South is looking for an answer at starting quarterback, the Bucs have arguably the most star power on their roster in the division.

Although this may be true, the Bucs’ treasure map will not include Brady. His influence in recent seasons led to veterans such as Fournette, Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, LeSean McCoy, Julio Jones, Kyle Rudolph, and Logan Ryan, all coming down to Tampa Bay, among others.