National Football League

Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM: 'Everything is for sale'

Published Apr. 28, 2015 1:17 p.m. ET

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By Rachel Wold

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the first overall draft selection in this week’s NFL draft. A pick that is seen as incredibly valuable with two top-end quarterback prospects on the board.

That’s probably why other teams are contacting the Buccaneers regarding that valuable pick, according to general manager Jason Licht.

While Licht would not identify the teams calling about trading for their No. 1 pick, he did indicate that everything is for sale (via NFL.com).

Licht further indicated that the calls coming in were more for “feeling out what it would take” to get the first pick. The head Buccaneers personnel man is also not sure if he will take more calls or hear back from other teams who have already been in touch before the draft kicks off on Thursday.

In order for the Bucs to give up their first overall pick, the trade would have to be tremendous, as Licht said that the team already knows who it has decided to draft. All reports presume that it will be quarterback Jameis Winston out of Florida State. If not Winston, then it will likely be Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Licht reported that he and head coach Lovie Smith are “in complete alignment” on the selection and that only high-level personnel management are in the loop.

When it comes to Winston, the Buccaneers have reportedly done massive background checks, including speaking to over 75 people.

Additionally, it is reported that the Bucs did not speak with the woman who had accused Winston of sexual assault while both were in attendance at Florida State. Her attorneys have also reported that no NFL teams have contacted them regarding the allegations. No criminal charges have been filed in that case.

Licht reported that the Bucs’ owners are satisfied with the team’s findings and they have not tried to dissuade them against drafting any specific player. Not saying any names, Licht claimed he and Smith are not at all apprehensive about the choice they will be making.

Even though the Bucs’ claim that everything is for sale, it would appear that their choice is nearly etched in stone. If a team wants that pick, it will have to blow the socks off the brass in Tampa Bay.

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