Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Who will backup Jameis Winston in 2019?
By Dylan Grimm
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Bringing back locker room favorite and proven backup Ryan Fitzpatrick should be priority number one in regards to finding a backup for the Buccaneers. Fitzpatrick has been able to put together these magical stretches over his career where he puts up massive numbers before eventually leveling back out.
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Having a backup who can do what Fitz does is a serious commodity for a team trying to win now. God forbid Winston gets hurt and misses a game or two, the Bucs can still be competitive with Fitz under center. Fitz not only is a quality backup arm but he’s a great brain to have on the sidelines to coach up Winston and any other possible QB on roster.
It will be interesting, however, to see if a team like the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, or Carolina Panthers bring him in as a bridge starter, giving him a better opportunity rather than returning to Tampa Bay. While this opportunity may pass Fitzpatrick by, he played himself into position to get one more contract.
The former Harvard University grad totaled 2,366 passing yards while throwing 17 TD’s and 12 INT’s in 8 appearances last season. At 36 years old expect a one-year contract around the 2.5-3.5 million dollar range for this crafty vet.