Yesterday, we heard from Jenna Laine of ESPN.com that Buccaneers brass is undecided on what to do with quarterback Jameis Winston, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Laine reported that members of Tampa’s front office have gone back and forth on the enigmatic signal-caller, unsure if he is the right person to key a return to competitiveness.
And as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, there have been no contract discussions of any kind between the Bucs and Winston. Given his uncertain standing within the organization, that makes some sense, but it’s somewhat curious that Tampa hasn’t at least reached out to Winston’s camp to see what kind of deal he’s looking for.
However, Florio says the fact that no conversations have taken place does not mean that the team necessarily plans to move on from Winston. All options remains on the table, including a long-term deal, a bridge contract, or even a franchise or transition tag. The Bucs and their former No. 1 overall pick will engage in talks after the season to determine if there is a mutually agreeable arrangement to be reached. While recent reports suggested that the team planned to retain Winston, it doesn’t sound as if that is set in stone.
Seemingly every game he plays, Winston shows flashes of brilliance emblematic of his draft status, but he struggles to avoid head-scratching and crippling turnovers. He is all but certain to crack 5,000 yards passing for the first time in his career in the Bucs’ season finale against Atlanta on Sunday afternoon, and he has thrown for a career-high 31 TDs. But he also leads the league in interceptions (28), and if he throws two interceptions versus the Falcons, he will become the first player in history to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 picks in the same season.
Tag him. Get QB for long term. Bridgewater? Haven’t checked their draft spot. Bomber Bruce improved their competitiveness this year.
Hard to believe only player that will amass 5000 yards this season.
If you like 400 yards and 5 picks a game, by all means, resign him.
He’s not gonna get a contract either. May tag him , but that’s it.
Called this before draft night. Dude is just too dumb to read a defense and relies on ability which he does have.
Sounds like Mike Vick, who was able to thrive with his freakish athletic ability and running at 3very chance.
Wait, you’re saying a football player uses his abilities? Shocking stuff.
Wouldn’t commit. He’s not the player to lead the team – and never thought he was from the beginning. Bad decisions, both on and off the field. I’d begin looking at drafting the next QB and at best tag him for next year so the rookie knows what not to do.
Franchise tag and see what happens with drafting good defensive players. If that doesn’t work, let him walk
Tag him and find another QB. Arians won’t put up with his ignorance for long.
The Buc’s will sign him to a potentially prove it contract with both incentive escalators and descending clauses. We will be stuck with him until the front office and fans get tired of his INT ways and we will trade him. Sound familiar – Josh Freeman?