The opening days of the 2026 league year were dominated by one headline: the Baltimore Ravens' sudden decision to pull out of a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the ripple effects of that move extended far beyond those two franchises—all the way down to Tampa Bay.

Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht revealed on The Pat McAfee Show Tuesday that the failed trade may have been a hidden blessing for his team. Tampa Bay ultimately selected edge rusher Rueben Bain with the 15th overall pick in the draft, but Licht admitted the path to that pick was far from certain.

Here's how the dominoes fell: If the trade had gone through, the Raiders would have acquired the 14th overall pick. With Crosby out of the picture, Las Vegas General Manager John Spytek—a close friend of Licht's—would have been hunting for a pass rusher. That meant the Raiders could have scooped up Bain just one spot ahead of the Bucs.

But the trade collapse changed everything. The Ravens kept the 14th pick, and their needs had shifted significantly. Baltimore had already agreed to sign former Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum during the trade window, creating a glaring hole on their offensive line. Meanwhile, after signing star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency, the Ravens' edge rush needs were less urgent. So, with the 14th pick, they selected guard Vega Ioane—leaving Bain on the board for Tampa Bay.

"I was a little afraid if the Raiders made that trade," Licht said. "Spytek and I are very close, and he was taunting me a little bit: 'Hey, we're sitting right in front of you, I know what you need.' Then Crosby goes back to the Raiders, and the Ravens are sitting there with their pick. I know they love their edge rushers, too, so that had me nervous."

Licht also noted that the Bucs had some interest in Hendrickson before he signed with Baltimore. But in the end, the way everything unfolded—from the failed trade to the Ravens' shifting priorities—worked in Tampa's favor.

"We're all trying to help each other out here, especially the people that are good friends," Licht added with a smile. "So, thanks, Spytek."