The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren\u2019t just preaching leadership\u2014they\u2019re building around it, and GM Jason Licht finally put names to it.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s longest-tenured players.<\/p>\n
Licht made it clear leadership isn\u2019t 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\u2014Alex Anzalone<\/a>, Kenneth Gainwell<\/a>, and Miles Killebrew<\/a>\u2014were targeted as much for their presence as their production.<\/p>\n This roster doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Summary<\/p>\n Too many chefs in the kitchen is what I\u2019m hearing. What Licht is saying is just a word salad that translates to, he\u2019s not sure who is going to replace the leadership lost with Mike Evans\u2019 and Lavonte David\u2019s<\/a> departures.<\/p>\n This franchise has gone from the Brady era changing the culture to leaning on the younger players that in most cases weren\u2019t here for the Brady era. Obviously this team has to have players that during hard or trying times they can look too.<\/p>\n I\u2019m not saying Kancey or Smith CAN\u2019T become the leaders this team needs. What I\u2019m saying is neither one has shown anything that would make us feel like they could. Hell, Kancey hasn\u2019t even completed an entire season. And Smith is still learning his position at this level of play.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n So basically, Licht is saying it\u2019s a team of leaders because he knows there isn\u2019t anyone that can fill the leadership void left by the David and Evans\u2019 departure<\/a>.<\/p>\n