If former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston doesn’t return to the Buccaneers, here is what Tampa Bay should do in 2020 to compete.
When Jameis Winston was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I had him graded higher on the board than Mariota and looked past all that occurred off the field before and after the draft. He has had his ups and downs since. For the most part, his numbers are pretty good, but the turnover numbers are the narrative fans and media focus on…and for good reason.
Before the Carolina game in London in 2019 Jameis had games where he struggled with turnovers but none as bad as that. That game and this season were the last straw for many fans and narratives of the team moving on from Winston grew.
With his many good plays in the second half of the season, there were many terrible plays/decisions scattered throughout the same games that seemed to ruin his efforts. Some not his fault, but some also inexcusable for a 5th-year quarterback.
Winston had 30 interceptions this season, and there were several more that were taken away from opposing defenses by penalty. The turnovers will always be there with Winston, but whether he is in Tampa or not next season fans need to prepare for both scenarios.
In this plan, all trades and signings will be realistic. Each signing and trade is meant to benefit the Bucs, yes, but they will not be fleecing any team or the market.
There’s still a possibility the Bucs will franchise Winston, but here’s a look at what next season without Jameis Winston could look like.