Jason Licht has a message for his critics

Through the first week of free agency, the Bucs great job in building their roster with significant new signings and a solution to the quarterback position. Thanks to the Bucs front office of Jason Licht, Mike Greenberg and Jacqueline Davidson for navigating tricky obstacles.

Tampa Bay first had to become cap-compliant after being $56 million over cap. Even after going under, the Bucs still didn’t have a lot of money to spend and yet they were able to re-sign cornerback Jamel Dean and linebacker Lavonte David at lower-than-expected prices, while also leaving out linebacker Anthony Nelson and Baker. Mayfield as quarterback.

At a press conference to discuss Dean and Nelson’s re-enlistments, Licht was able to show his appreciation to the staff around him for what they’ve accomplished so far.

“I could talk all day about how proud I am of the team we have,” said Licht. “Mike Greenberg, Jacquie, the whole front office — John [Spytek], everyone. We’ve been working on this plan for a long time. There were really tough decisions, but I have a lot of faith in these people. There were many challenges and we got through them. It’s kind of coming through the back of it now. We never thought we wouldn’t be a good team this year.

“We have a lot of good players. Players going into their prime. Players in their prime. Players who haven’t even scratched the surface of their prime. It’s the same situation that led Tom Brady to come sign here. It’s a similar team And we’re not done yet We’re going to have some more [signings]. We’ve got to kind of — we’ve got to make some more reasonable purchases right now because of where we’re at. But sometimes you get your best deals and you get your best players – contributors – out of that.”

Jason Licht has a message for those who doubt him

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I was confident that we would be able to put our best foot forward. And I was very confident that they wanted to be here,” said Licht. “I knew that because of the coaching staff we have, the front office we have and the players we have.

“If I could go back in time, I would do it all over again. We pushed, we borrowed about $100 million against this year’s limit and future limits to do what we did. Came close for the second time. If anyone wants to criticize what we’ve done, they can come to our house and look at our rings. We are happy with that and we will also follow another one.”

The fact that the Bucs have core pieces intact with their recent moves and add another quarterback to the mix in a league to be the starer will make up for Tampa Bay next season. It’s wide open in the NFC South as the Bucs look to make the postseason for the fourth season in a row.

“It’s a great feeling,” Licht said. “Despite all the challenges we entered this off-season, yesterday and today, it’s a great day to see people still believe in the vision we have and the ability we have as a football team to still compete for this division. ”