GENERAL MANAGER JASON LICHT

Opening statement:

"Every year presents new challenges. You have to keep the [salary] cap in mind, obviously, that we are all up against. You don't want to mortgage too much of the future. You want to remain competitive as long as you can. Ideally, we'd like to keep the core players that we have very good players that we have. They are all really good. I don't want to name players because I don't want to leave any out because in one way, shape, or form, there are all a priority. But, you want to try and keep as many as you can and you want to keep the pipeline coming from the players that we already have and give them opportunities. One door closes, another one opens. We feel like we have some players that could surprise some people next year if they are given the opportunity."

(On RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn)

"I think Ke' Shawn has made massive strides this year. I think Ke'Shawn has the ability to be a starting running back. But, in that stable, you want multiple running backs that can help carry the load and do different things. But, we think very highly of Ke'Shawn."

(On what he has learned from Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick)

"A lot. I've learned a lot from Coach [Bill] Belichick. We could talk here for a long time about that, all the lessons you learn from him. What he has done, I don't know if it will ever happen again - keeping it sustainable as long as he has. But, I sure tried to take those things that I learned there and apply them here."

(On his process for evaluating who to re-sign)

"Well, just assigning values, like you said. Knowing when to move on from a player, knowing when it's time for 'fresh blood'. But, at the same time, I don't like to let really good players go if we can help it."

(On if he has closed the door on a return of QB Tom Brady)

"I think with a Tom Brady, I personally, never want to completely close the door. Now, I don't have any information that suggests that he is going to come back. I'm very good friends with him. We talk, [but] we haven't talked about that. Don't want to apply any pressure in that regard right now. But, he's Tom Brady. If a Tom Brady wants to come back, we'd welcome him back."

(On the team's financial plan if Brady were to return)

"It just depends. We have a little time here right before free agency hits. It depends on what we do in free agency. I'm not saying that we're, by any means, planning on this happening. I just made a remark this morning that we'll leave the light on for him."

(On TE Rob Gronkowski)

"We'll be talking to Rob's agent here. Rob just wanted a little time to think about his future. But, once again, he's another great player at his position. So, I'd be excited if he wanted to come back."

(On safety Jordan Whitehead)

"He's one of those players I mentioned, I didn't want to mention anybody by name because I didn't want to leave any out. But, Jordan has become a very good player for us. Just his presence on defense when we didn't have him due to injury, you could see that we were missing a little bit of juice from him. He provided that. He's been a good player for us. He's been a great pick for us. I'm proud of our staff for where we drafted him and what he's become. Ideally, he's another player – and I'll keep saying it -ideally, we'd love to have him back. But, we'll have to see how it goes with all these players."

(On which players and/or positions the team will prioritize this offseason)

"We would prioritize what we think gives us the best chance for us to continue to have success."

(On his experience having QB Tom Brady in the building the last two seasons)

Well, I had some experience with him in New England. So, maybe I wasn't quite as wide-eyed as some of the people around the building. But, it's been fantastic. It became normalized to talk to him every day, him being a part of what we were doing, and just talking to him on the field about anything and everything. He's a special player [and] special person. It's hard to say we'll ever come across another Tom Brady."

(On WR Chris Godwin)

"From what I understand, his rehab is going well. He's been a special player, as well, for us. He's really overachieved in relation to where he was drafted and where we got him. It's hard to imagine a Buccaneers' offense without Chris Godwin, and we would love to have him back. We'll continue to try and work towards that."

(On T Tristan Wirfs)

"It's going well. We want to make sure that he's 100 percent before he gets back out there. I think there would have been a chance, if we continued to play in the postseason, that he may have been able to play. But, we're going to be very careful with him so that when he gets out there, he's fully 100 percent. I'm just saying, I expect him to be ready for camp. It may be before that."

(On Houston Texans General Manager Nick Cesario)

"Nick is a great person. He's very, very detailed. Works very, very hard. Knows the game very well. He's a very good leader in that regard. I have nothing but fond memories working with Nick when he was a scouting assistant and coaching intern, to moving his way up to where he is now."

(On if he was surprised QB Tom Brady retired this year)

"When we signed Tom [Brady] two years ago, none of us knew how long it would be. If it was one year, two years. I was hoping until he was 50. But, no one really knew. So, not really a total shocking surprise when he's the type that evaluates everything. [He] continues to evaluate everything. He literally went out on top if he did, in fact, retire. We always took advantage, and never took him for granted."

(On the roster depth being tested throughout the season)

"Yeah, over the last couple of years, but this year in particular, our depth did get tested because of some injuries on the defense in particular, and then offensively late in the year. We were all very proud of the guys that did step up and we do know with the few players that did get an opportunity, we were able to fully evaluate them to know what their role could be moving forward."

(On losing G Ali Marpet and how he will evaluate the moves going forward this offseason)

"It starts up front and you always want to have a strong offensive line. I think our offensive line was a major key to our success – winning a Super Bowl and having a really good record this year. We want to continue to build that offensive line or retain the players that we have on that offensive line to continue that position group being strong, and we'll just have to see how it goes. Sometimes what you want to do and what happens are two different things. But we definitely, ideally, want to keep it moving forward."

(On positions that stand out in the draft)

"It seems like recently there's a lot of receivers in the drafts. I think that will continue. There [are] some good edge rushers in this draft. There's some good corners and safeties in this draft. I don't know if the numbers are as high as they have been in the past – in terms of the top of the draft – but there's a lot of depth in the middle to late rounds at those positions."

(On young players that stood out this past season)

"I'll single out two – K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard. For the roles that we drafted them for and to play on special teams, I thought they did a fantastic job. They'll continue to grow as position players, as well. We think K.J. has a really good chance to be a good linebacker, as well as Grant, in some sort of role at some point. Just the way they brought their energy every day, the entire team benefitted from the way they carried themselves."

(On what OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka needs to do to take the next step in his development)

"We thought he made some big steps – played mostly in rotation. He's going to have to get a little more stronger and a little bit more disciplined in the run game, but that will come. That usually happens with a young pass rusher coming in for his first year as a rookie. That's the thing that you need to develop the most. He's definitely skilled as a rusher and has upside there. And we'll get better there as well."

(On if there is a top 10 quarterback in the draft)

"It does happen every year. Quarterbacks usually do get pushed up, and we predict what these quarterbacks are going to do, but then one can go 199 and become the greatest player of all-time. People are going to pick their positions. Other people may have quarterbacks rated higher or lower than what we do. But yes, in general quarterbacks do get pushed up."

(On his sense of the quarterback trade market around the league)

"There's always some chatter. There's always some talk. It's usually a little more talk than it is action."

(On K Jose Borregales competing in training camp)

"I think he will compete. We love what [Ryan] Succup has done for us the last couple years, but Jose has a strong leg and has been consistent for us all year in practice. Practice and games are two separate things, but I am excited to see what he does this year in camp."

(On the qualities he looks for in a quarterback)

"I think one thing that does not get talked about enough – and just because we've seen the best for the last couple years – is the leadership that a quarterback has and how important that is. How his teammates feel about him and how they want to work for him, and how he gets the best out of them. He does not have to be the most talented. He doesn't have to have the strongest arm. He does need to be smart and he does need to be a true leader and elevate his teammates. That's hard to gauge."

(On potentially re-signing C Ryan Jensen)

"He's been the center pivot of our offense. We signed him when we did to elevate and set the tone of the toughness of the team, and he's definitely done that. I think for me it's a definite priority to continue that."

(On if the team will to add a cornerback in the draft)

"I wish we had 15 picks so that we could take multiple players, especially in the secondary because it's just by law of averages they're not all going to work out. But the ones that do, you put a premium on. Cornerback is a very important part of the defense. I would say pass rusher, corner, the offensive line, and quarterback."

HEAD COACH BRUCE ARIANS

(On being back in the city of Indianapolis)

"Coming back and seeing everything closed – it's amazing because I love this town. I used to live downtown and to see everything empty is really heartbreaking. It's really my first taste of being in a northern city during COVID and seeing what has happened to it. God Bless Indianapolis."

(On traveling to Indianapolis during the 2021 regular season)

"We were here for a game, but we were just in and out. I didn't come down and see where I always used to hang out."

(On preparing to replace QB Tom Brady)

"Well, we addressed it last year. We drafted Kyle Trask [in the second round] for a reason. He fits everything we want to do [at the] quarterback [position]. I really, really liked what I saw for a year, so I doubt drafting is an option. For all the other guys, it's going to be a trade. Well, you don't trade by yourself – you've got to have a partner, so that could be out of the question."

(On if the door is closed on a Brady return)

"Oh, that door is never closed. Whenever Tom wants back, he's back."

(On approaching the offseason with the uncertainty regarding whether Brady might return)

"Well, you just go on because I think if Tom comes back, we'll have plenty of money for him."

(On the ascension of the Buffalo Bills under Head Coach Sean McDermott)

"Oh, there is no doubt. [They have] great young players and that was a tough, tough game we had last year [against Buffalo]. I'm a big, big Josh Allen fan, and that defense is fantastic. Sean does a great job. We'll have our hands full for sure."

(On if there are any major needs that need to be addressed in the 2022 NFL Draft)

"Not really as far as the draft. Free agency is first and we're trying to get as many of our guys back as we possibly can. Obviously, Ali [Marpet's] retirement threw a little wrench into it, but we'll work through that and see how much continuity we can keep in our offensive line – that's always key. The quarterback issue will take care of itself."

(On Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin hiring Brian Flores)

"I thought it was a great move. I had a few practices against Coach 'Flo' in Miami and he's a great dude and hell of a coach. He needs to be a head coach in this league. Obviously, I think Mike did a great job bringing him on. He brought in a hell of a football coach, and I think it helps the Steelers organization."

(On the team's needs on the defensive side of the ball)

"For us right now, it's quickness. We've got strength – we've got plenty of strength – we need some quickness in the interior pass rush. We've got a good outside pass rush, so for us, it's watching these guys and seeing whose inside interior pass rush [fits us], but who is still stout enough to stop the run. But we don't need another Vita [Vea]. There's not another one out there anyway – and if we get our guys back, I'm fine too – but we need something quicker in there."

(On the ideal qualities he looks for in a 'Bruce Arians type' of quarterback)

"Grit – he's got to be tough. A leader – a guy that the team will follow. And, he's got to know what the hell he is doing. I mean, he cannot turn the ball over."

(On if the Buccaneers would be willing to let Tom Brady play for another team)

"Nope, it's bad business."

(On OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka's ability as both an outside and inside pass rusher)

"I think he can do both – that's what is great about him. He is going to be a premier outside guy as he learns to use his strength more, and not always relying on all that speed. But yeah, I think he is going to be a dominant player outside."

(On the possibility of bringing in a veteran quarterback)

"Well, there are very few available unless they're via trade. Blaine Gabbert has been in this system for a long time now and his talent is more than enough, so if we go free agency-wise, we'll probably bring him back."

(On his comfort level with moving forward with quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask heading into next season)

"Oh yeah, I'd be very, very comfortable because they know what they're doing, and they've both shown they can do it. And with our defense, they know what we want out of our quarterback."

(On if QB Blaine Gabbert has the leadership qualities that he and General Manager Jason Licht desire in a quarterback)

"Yeah, I think he's got all of the respect in the locker room. They saw him help Tom [Brady] and he has helped each and every one of those guys on offense and some on defense. He's got a great relationship in that locker room. And I think they also see what Kyle [Trask] can do and what he's got going for him."

(On the rarity of finding a player like WR Chris Godwin)

"Yeah, I've only had two before – Hines Ward and Larry Fitzgerald – so I don't really want to lose Chris. They're hard, hard to find. Reggie Wayne too, he's the other one."

(On the impact that Godwin's ACL injury has on the team's plans for potentially bringing him back)

"Knowing Chris and the way he works – he had a good surgery and those guys are coming back faster and faster now. I don't think that's going to be a problem at all."

(On the challenge of not having G Ali Marpet returning to the offensive line next season)

"We can't replace the player, but if we can get back Ryan [Jensen], Alex [Cappa] and [Aaron] Stinnie – they all played together. Nick Leverett played too. We went through seven or eight offensive linemen this year. Those five guys were ironmen for most of the year until January, but I think we're fine there."

(On what he sees in QB Blaine Gabbert)

"Everybody is judged on record. When you get drafted high or No. 1, you're probably on a [bad] team. Ben [Roethlisberger] was lucky and went to the Steelers. He dropped to No. 11 and got on a good team. But you go through those growing pains – eight head coaches and nine coordinators in your first eight years. You've got to have something about you to keep going. When we got him, I was always a fan. I go back to his rookie year in Jacksonville at Pittsburgh. They don't block James Harrison off the edge, and he threw a touchdown while James Harrison hit him in the mouth about the time the ball was going out. He jumped up and grabbed his guys and I thought, 'He's going to be a player.' He won two big games for us in Arizona when we were decimated by injuries, so I know what he can do. I don't judge records from the past. It's, 'What are you going to do for me today?' I like what he can do for us today."

(On Gabbert being in a variety of different offensive systems)

"Yeah, he's been in about eight systems, but he has been in this one for five years. He was crucial to Tom [Brady's] development. He's got the answers to the test. Now, does he still have the skill level to do it? I think so."

(On what a team could offer the Buccaneers in which the team would be willing to trade QB Tom Brady if he decides to return to the NFL)

"Five No. 1 [picks]? Maybe."

(On summing up the previous two seasons with Brady)

"Probably about as good as you can get – a Super Bowl, 42 seconds from a championship game and the most wins [in a season] in franchise history. But, it was more than that. He was just a great, great guy. Great relationships with his teammates and the coaching staff. He's the ultimate competitor."

(On if the NFC South Division is wide open heading into the 2022 NFL season after Tampa Bay contended for the division title in each of the past two years)

"Yeah, we only won it once, but the Saints still have defense. Matt Ryan is still in Atlanta. I think it's going to be wide open, but I like our chances for sure with our defense. Nobody wants to talk about our defense, but they're not bad."

(On the team's gameplan heading into the 2022 NFL Draft)

"Again, it's more [clear] after free agency. Let's see with that last 30 percent – what are our needs? Who is the best available? If he's better than what we've got, take him. We'll be doing a lot of taking the best player that is available on the board."

(On having Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles and Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich back on his staff after they both had head coaching interviews this offseason)

"I had plans for the opposite because I really thought they were both gone. Part of me is really selfish and happy they're back, but I want them to be head coaches more so than me being comfortable. It's going to happen. They're too good for it not to happen."

(On the NFL's minority coaching issues)

"We're not owners. We know what good coaches look like. We're coaches, so it's not hard for us. I've been on those committees now for 10 years, we've made better rules and better progress, but it's still not good enough. Obviously, when those two guys (Todd Bowles and Byron Leftwich) are not head coaches after the last two seasons, I think something is wrong."

(On if he anticipates any changes to the team's offense)

"Not really, our offense has kind of been there for 20 years. Byron [Leftwich] was playing in it, so we can do so many different things. It's really who the players are. Once we get the players, we will build it around them."

-BUCCANEERS-