Buccaneers GM Jason Licht Takes Jab at Former Starting Cornerback

The Buccaneers general manager gave a backhanded compliment to Carlton Davis III when asked about trading him.

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks back, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded starting cornerback Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions, a situation which will allow the defensive back to get a fresh start in the NFL. Trading Davis, who is in the final year of his contract, landed the Buccaneers a third-round pick.

To secure the No. 92 overall pick, the Buccaneers tagged two sixth-round picks into the trade — one for this draft and the other from the next.

For what the Buccaneers did this offseason in terms of roster construction — which heavily involved retaining free agents — general manager Jason Licht had to part ways from Davis. Someone had to go if the franchise wanted to bring back the likes of Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, two impact players who commanded hefty contracts this offseason.

On his way out, Licht complimented Davis, but it was a backhanded compliment. Evidently, he attacked his ability to stay healthy on the football field.

"We felt like it was an opportunity for us to get a really good pick and to add some youth," Licht said. "We wish Carlton the best. He's a good player when he's out there on the field."

The last season from Licht is the definition of a backhanded compliment, but it's also valid. The former second-round pick spent six seasons with the franchise and appeared in 12 games this past season. It seemed there was always a lingering injury with the Auburn product, as he's never played a full season of football in his entire career.

Davis' best season with the franchise came during the 2020 season when he appeared in 14 games and pulled down four interceptions. He won a Super Bowl with the franchise, too, something that will always stick with Davis when remembering his time with Tampa.

In a contract year with the Detroit Lions, it'll be interesting to see if he earns a contract extension or hits the open market in free agency this time next season.

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