Bucs GM Jason Licht admits the team is open to trading down in 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t locking themselves into one path at No. 15, and comments from general manager Jason Licht make it clear that moving back in the 2026 NFL draft is a real possibility depending on how the board falls.

Licht didn’t overcomplicate things. When discussing the idea of trading down, he acknowledged it’s something the team is open to, but, as with most draft scenarios, it comes down to how things unfold in real time. As he put it, “we’re open to it,” while also reinforcing that the right situation is needed to actually make it happen.

Trading down always looks good in theory, but it requires a partner and a board that justifies passing on players at your current spot. Also, moving up in a draft can be expensive, depending on how many other teams are bidding with the Buccaneers for a trade. If the Buccaneers feel like there’s a clear difference-maker sitting there and the asking price is reasonable, they’re not moving just to pick up extra assets.

At the same time, this lines up with how this front office operates. They’ve shown before that they’re willing to let the draft come to them, and if that means sliding back into a range where they still get a player they value while adding picks, it’s something they’ll seriously consider.

Tampa Bay isn’t chasing one outcome; they’re preparing for multiple, staying like water, and if the board flattens out the way they expect, don’t be surprised if moving around the board becomes part of the plan.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs open to moving back ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft