Every year teams say that their goal is to win the Super Bowl. I mean what else are they going to say right? The truth is that typically teams build up momentum each season by building up their rosters smartly through the draft and then acquiring a few players via free agency.
Occasionally a team comes out of nowhere to win the Super Bowl but if you look at the last few seasons you’ll see the usual suspects competing in the playoffs (KC, Philly, SF, Det, Buffalo, LA Rams and YES the Bucs).
Going into this season the strengths of this team was the WRs, RBs, OL and QB. Even with a new OC the Buccaneers in theory had enough talent to score in the high 20’s.
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Defense was where most of the improvement was needed. The lack of pass rush was seen as a huge weakness but the signing of Hassan Reddick was supposed to help. News flash, it hasn’t.
They did do a great job of solidifying their secondary. By doubling down on CBs in the draft they not only added great depth but are set for the next 5 years.
Now, the Bucs once strong units (WR, RB, OL) have been ravaged by injuries. Some players hopefully are coming back (Godwin, Bucky, Goedecke) while others aren’t (Evans, Mauch). In addition, their lone FA pass rusher is now set to miss multiple games.
Remarkably the Bucs sit atop their division at 5-2. With the trade deadline approaching in a few weeks, the question is are the Bucs only 1 player away from a true SB run? Surely this is on the mind of their GM. Do they trade away high draft picks and go big game hunting or do they try and find some depth pieces from teams that have already turned the clock to the 2026 season?
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Unfortunately I think they have sustained too many injuries to go after a truly impactfull player (assuming one is available). I do think they HAVE to bring in some depth at WR and OLB. This may cost a mid to late round pick.
If Licht stands pat and does nothing then it may mean he is reluctant to surrender any draft capital. After a great start to the season, that would be akin to deflating a balloon.
Here’s hoping that the Bucs can get relatively healthy after the Saints game. They’ll have a much needed bye week after that. Their next game comes after the trade deadline. We are about to find out what Licht really feels about his team very soon.
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