Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs GM’s Offseason 'Wizardry' Gets Glowing Praise

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 6:05 AM ET

Once again, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have flown under the radar this offseason, with the franchise making several moves that will keep Todd Bowles' side in the thick of NFC contention for at least 2025.

General manager Jason Licht has, again, done a solid job of not only retaining the team's key players in Chris Godwin, Lavonte David, and Ben Bredeson but getting star pass rusher Haason Reddick on an affordable one-year deal, too.

And it appears we aren't the only ones who think so, with Pro Football Focus in naming one positive for each team in free agency, singled out Licht for special praise for his work this offseason.

"Somehow, Jason Licht and the Buccaneers continue to retain all of their high-priced players and keep themselves in NFC South contention," Pro Football Focus writes. "This time, they managed to keep wide receiver Chris Godwin, left guard Ben Bredeson and linebacker Lavonte David while also adding pass rusher Haason Reddick. Tampa Bay is only one or two more impactful defensive pieces from being serious NFC contenders."

The Buccaneers have been one of the better teams in the NFC since Baker Mayfield joined the franchise, and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.

Yes, he will have a new coordinator for the third straight season, but he gets back Godwin, who will be part of an offense that managed 29.5 points per game without him last season.

Bredeson will continue his good form and solid production protecting Baker, while Reddick could be the missing defensive piece for Bowles' defense that was in desperate need of pass-rushing help.

All deals have Licht's fingerprints over them and the Buccaneers are once again in a position to contend in the NFC thanks to their general manager getting deals across the line while also improving the team at a critical need.

Is it wizardry? Well, Licht does have a knack for getting good deals done.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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