The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ushered in some significant changes this offseason. It appears they are ready to see them through with general manager Jason Licht.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs signed Licht to a a new, five-year deal that coincides with head coach Bruce Arians' contract:
A few days after hiring Arians, the team signed Licht to a new five-year contract, including a club option for 2023.
Terms of the contract are undisclosed, but it’s clear that without Licht remaining as GM, the Bucs may have had a tougher time talking the 66-year-old Arians out of retirement.
Arians and Licht had gotten well-acquainted during their time with the Arizona Cardinals and it seems that relationship is what helped Tampa Bay make the hiring. They have now essentially become a package deal in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future. It is safe to say that the pressure to win will be as prevalent as ever.
After all, the Bucs have not done much winning in recent years. Licht's rosters have garnered him a 27-53 record over the last five seasons. This includes only one winning season that was subsequently followed by consecutive 5-11 campaigns This is likely why he felt compelled to make some major changes to the roster and coaching staff heading into the regular season.
Tampa Bay will certainly have its work cut out trying to lead a potential resurgence in 2019. Regardless, they can take solace in the fact that they have secured their key pieces for years to come.
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