“Finally got rid of Tom Brady”: Buccaneers GM pokes fun at Tom Brady while welcoming Emeka Egbuka

Just over a week since the 2025 NFL Draft, buzz still surrounds the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first-round pick, Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State. The Buccaneers made headlines in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick, a move that signals their commitment to building a dynamic, post Tom Brady offense.

Emeka Egbuka’s selection at No. 19 overall reflects Tampa Bay’s focus on adding youthful energy and proven production to its roster. At Ohio State, Egbuka consistently showcased elite hands, precise route running, and the ability to make contested catches in tight coverage. His standout junior year culminated in a College Football Playoff National Championship, where he was a key offensive contributor throughout the season.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 205 pounds, Egbuka combines a strong frame with top-tier agility, making him dangerous in open space. He was frequently used in both slot and wideout roles, giving coaches flexibility in how they deploy him. His experience in a high-pressure program like Ohio State’s also means he's already accustomed to big-game environments something that will serve him well in the NFL.
For quarterback Baker Mayfield, Egbuka provides a reliable option who can stretch the field vertically or move the chains on intermediate routes. His yards-after-catch ability could open up new layers in the Buccaneers’ offensive scheme, especially when paired with other threats like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

On special teams, Egbuka’s 612 kick return yards on just 22 returns in 2024 highlight his vision, acceleration, and fearlessness. These qualities make him an immediate candidate to take over primary return duties, which could significantly improve the Bucs’ starting field position throughout the season.
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht couldn’t hide his enthusiasm following the team’s selection of Emeka Egbuka in the 2025 NFL Draft. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Licht made a light-hearted but pointed remark about the franchise's long-standing connection to Michigan alumni including the legendary Tom Brady.
“To be honest with you, we’ve had quite a few Michigan people over the years,” Licht said. “We finally got rid of Tom Brady, John Spytek finally got out of here. We had to sign Ben Bredeson back because we needed, you know, a good player. But I had to offset that with an Ohio State player.”
Since joining Tampa Bay in 2020, Tom Brady made an immediate impact by leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. After three successful years with the Buccaneers, he chose to end his legendary career there, officially retiring in 2023.
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Licht’s playful jab highlighted the ongoing Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and added humor to the Buccaneers' decision to draft the talented Buckeyes receiver. It also marked a symbolic shift, as the team continues building its identity in the post-Brady era.