The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t just preaching leadership—they’re building around it, and GM Jason Licht finally put names to it.

When discussing emerging leaders on the roster, Licht highlighted a blend of youth and experience. He pointed to Tykee Smith and Calijah Kancey as part of the next wave, while emphasizing that Vita Vea remains a steady presence, continuing to lead in his own way as one of the team’s longest-tenured players.

Licht made it clear leadership isn’t confined to a select few. He cited the entire offensive line as a group that sets the tone, while younger players like Bucky Irving are starting to take on larger voices. Even the offseason additions—Alex Anzalone, Kenneth Gainwell, and Miles Killebrew—were targeted as much for their presence as their production.

This roster doesn’t hinge on a handful of outspoken figures to set the tone. Instead, the expectation is that leadership shows up everywhere, from vets to younger players, with accountability spread throughout the team.

Summary

Too many chefs in the kitchen is what I’m hearing. What Licht is saying is just a word salad that translates to, he’s not sure who is going to replace the leadership lost with Mike Evans’ and Lavonte David’s departures.

This franchise has gone from the Brady era changing the culture to leaning on the younger players that in most cases weren’t here for the Brady era. Obviously this team has to have players that during hard or trying times they can look too.

I’m not saying Kancey or Smith CAN’T become the leaders this team needs. What I’m saying is neither one has shown anything that would make us feel like they could. Hell, Kancey hasn’t even completed an entire season. And Smith is still learning his position at this level of play.

Now we turn to Vea, Mayfield, Godwin, and Wirfs. While all four players are great in their own right, none aside from Mayfield have shown they’re the guy to look too. And Mayfield is entering the last year of his contract. So his future with the team hinders his ability to take these reigns.

The last options would be one of the bew free agents. I feel like Anzalone could step into one of these roles. But again, he’s older and on a two-year deal. Miles Killebrew is a strong candidate to take over this role on special teams. Gainwell will most likely be RB2, so not sure if he has the pull for one of these roles.

So basically, Licht is saying it’s a team of leaders because he knows there isn’t anyone that can fill the leadership void left by the David and Evans’ departure.