Buccaneers: Five scenarios for the end of the 2018 season
By Ryan Doyle
![TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers high fives fans after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers high fives fans after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c4e16f83f9edcf9f23fdf1ac127268ac462229468b2e8cbe7da4ba3ba2048b47.jpg)
Scenario 3: Jameis Winston flops
The development of Winston will be the biggest story for the remainder of 2018. Tampa Bay needs to know if he can be the future of the franchise. An impressive finish to the season will not only keep his fifth-year option locked in, but it could also get the front office to think about a long-term extension.
There is also a world that Winston plays poorly down the stretch. He could continue to turn the ball over at an alarming rate and show little progression through four years in the league.
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Again, Tampa Bay will face a handful of strong defenses in Dallas, Baltimore and New Orleans. Winston could have another multi-turnover performance on the horizon.
A string of poor play would leave Tampa Bay in an impossibly tough situation. They have a roster full of talented weapons and a veteran-heavy front seven, will the Bucs look for another quarterback in the draft?
Could the Buccaneers sign a veteran in free agency like Teddy Bridgewater and rescind Winston’s fifth-year option?
This may be the worst case scenario for Tampa Bay. The organization will enter 2019 without a quarterback.