Buccaneers Picked Up GM Jason Licht’s 2018 Option, But Future With Team Still Unclear

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Buccaneers picked up GM Jason Licht’s one-year team option for the 2018 season, which prevented him from being a lame-duck executive this year.

However, Stroud says that even after the team picked up his option, Licht’s future with the Buccaneers still isn’t clear. This also goes for HC Dirk Koetter and the team’s coaching staff.

Stroud mentions that Licht’s future with the team could come down to whether they allow him to help find a new head coach or if they would prefer to hire a high-profile head coach and that person prefers to keep Licht in place as GM.

As Stroud points out, Licht had a strong 2017 draft that brought in TE O.J. Howard, WR Chris Godwin, S Justin Evans and LB Kendell Beckwith, so that could work in his favor. Beyond that, Licht managed to sign WR DeSean Jackson in free agency to bolster their offensive weapons. However, the team’s offense hasn’t lived up to expectations this year.

Licht, 46, began his NFL executive career working for the Patriots as their assistant director of player personnel. He moved on after one year and joined the Eagles’ front office and worked his way up to VP of player personnel.

From there, Licht worked for the Cardinals and before the Buccaneers hired him as their GM in 2014.

During his time in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have posted a record of 21-40 (35 percent) and have yet to make the playoffs.

We’ll have more regarding Licht’s future with the Buccaneers as the news is available.