Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) catches a touchdown in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) in the third quarter as Tampa Bay beats Atlanta 41-28 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Eventually good talent is recognized and the ability to draft and sign good players in the NFL is a commodity that teams look for in player personnel and general managers. Arizona Cardinals, or should I say former Arizona Cardinals director of player personnel Jason Licht is one of those individuals. He was hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday as their new general manager.
Licht, who has been Steve Keim’s right hand man, deserves this job. He will be a great addition to the Bucs front office. Arizona’s loss is Tampa Bay’s gain. It is unfortunate for Arizona to lose a quality guy like Licht but it was only a matter of time.
It is reported that Licht will have full control as general manager in Tampa Bay. He will control the draft and player personnel decisions. That’s the way it should be. It sets him up for a long and successful road in Tampa. He should get along well with new Bucs head coach Lovie Smith. I like what the Bucs are trying to do down in Tampa.
Licht had two tours of duty with the Cardinals. The first as a personnel executive in 2008 and then again as director of player personnel from 2011 until his hire in Tampa. This is his first general managerial job. He will be missed.