Schien: Jameis Winston needs change of scenery

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston could use a change of scenery, according to an NFL columnist.

NFL.com’s Adam Schein listed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston as one of nine players that need a new team heading into 2019.

Here are Schein’s thoughts on Winston’s current situation in Tampa Bay:

"The trust factor is long gone here, given Winston’s issues on and off the field, and his time with the Bucs should come to an end after four seasons. It won’t be the end of the line for Jameis — he’ll play again. There’s talent there, as we’ve seen in spurts throughout his career. But he’s just too much of a risk. You wonder if he will ever truly get it."

On the surface, Winston’s career has been a disappointment so far. In his fourth season, Winston still hasn’t brought Tampa Bay to the postseason. Throw in his off-field troubles, and he hasn’t been the franchise-altering player that many expected him to be as the number one overall pick.

Whether or not it would be good for Winston to start fresh is anyone’s guess, but it looks like he will be sticking around for at least one more season.

The Bucs exercised Winston’s fifth-year option that pays $20 million next season. With no other quarterbacks on the books in 2019, it would be a surprise if general manager Jason Licht decides to go in another direction.

The quarterback free agent class doesn’t provide other options. Teddy Bridgewater is the most intriguing name, but he hasn’t played in a meaningful game since 2015. Plus, his numbers aren’t all that impressive.

In the NFL Draft, Tampa Bay won’t be investing one of their top picks in another quarterback. Winston will be back in 2019, with one last chance to prove that he is the quarterback of the future.

Winston should also receive at least one year with the next head coach in charge. Maybe a complete change of scenery is a stretch, but new leadership could be what Winston needs to see his full potential.

If Winston is unable to make strides next season with a new man at the helm, then a change of scenery would be necessary. For now, Winston will receive one more chance to make it work in Tampa Bay.