Front Office Hate Is Much Better Than Coach Hate
August 8th, 2026

Todd Bowles (left) and Bucs GM Jason Licht.

Great point here by a seasoned NFL veteran, and Joe will take it a step further.

Joe shared how the Bucs were slapped on BSPN TV this week when Pat McAfee said on his popular show that the Bucs’ “vibes seem ass.” McAfee performed his version of NFL math — Vita Vea trade request + Baker Mayfield outrage + Mike Evans bailing + Lavonte David retiring after saying he has gas in the tank = a bad Tampa Bay environment.

Joe thinks lumping Evans and David into that mix is understandable but wacky. Joe is eager for Evans’ whole truth to come out, or close too it.

McAfee said the drama in Tampa means he can’t pick the Bucs to win the NFC South.

Former 11-year NFL linebacker A.J. Hawk couldn’t agree with McAfee. He clapped back predicting the Bucs to be division champs, noting frustration with a general manager is no big deal.

“Bake is upset with the front office. You can do that. You can play with some spike toward your front office,” Hawk said. ‘That’s sustainable over the course of the season. I don’t think it’s sustainable if you’re pissed at your coaches and you hate your coaches. He loves his coaches, it seems like. He’s on board with them; it’s the front office that’s not paying him now. I think [Baker] can have a fun revenge tour, go out there prove them wrong.”

Joe agrees completely with Hawk’s take.

And since Team Glazer isn’t hanging out with players, patrolling the practice fields and forming tight 1-on-1 bonds with Mayfield, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht has the ability to stay close with Mayfield and blame any contract-extension challenges on the owners. They’re easy fall guys. Under the bus you go.

At this point, Joe suspects Mayfield truly is good with Licht, as Licht stated on Thursday.

Hawk added that the Vita Vea situation needs to be repaired quickly.

“I do not like what they’re doing with Vita Vea,” Hawk said. “I hope they get him paid, get him in there. They need him big-time.”