Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Earlier, I mentioned the lack of talent the franchise has seen at the quarterback position. Oddly enough, Jameis Winston is arguably the most talented quarterback the team has had, but that has yet to truly turn in too much success. Drafted with the first overall pick in the  2015 NFL Draft, Winston has been the beacon of light for the Buccaneers’ hopes of returning to legitimacy.

His off-field issues are a dark cloud that have seemed to follow him from Florida State into the NFL, but his potential is unquestionable. Winston, a two-sport athlete in college, has a cannon for an arm and the athleticism to extend plays with his feet.

Although he has only had one winning season in the three he has spent with the Buccaneers, fans and experts alike think he has what it takes to lead the franchise back to the playoffs.

In his first two seasons, Winston threw for 4,042 and 4,090 yard, respectively. This was before having a down year in 2017. In his rookie campaign, his efforts resulted in him earning Pro Bowl honors and being discussed for NFL Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately he lost out to Rams running back Todd Gurley, but Winston did get named to the All-Rookie squad.

Winston has what it takes to be a successful quarterback in the NFL, he just needs to keep himself out of trouble. If the suspensions begin to add up (he is serving a three-game suspension starting at the beginning of the 2018 season), Winston’s career could derail quickly. Despite only being with the team for three seasons, Winston is already fifth all-time in passing. That should say it all.