Will Jameis Winston stay, if so for how long? A one year Franchise tag, or as rumored, a longer term deal to tie him down for the foreseeable future?
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times drops some interesting developments in a recent article on the Buccaneers and the Jameis Winston situation. Stroud points out several pieces of information in the article. Stroud reveals that Quarterbacks Coach Clyde Christensen has been tasked with creating scouting reports on Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Phillip Rivers.
Stroud continues on to say that the Bucs will draft a quarterback in the coming draft. It shouldn’t be assumed that one will be taken with the #14 overall pick, this draft is fairly deep in quarterbacks. Anywhere in the first 4 rounds is a possibility as there should still be talent to be had on day two and maybe even beyond if some slip.
So what does all this mean in the bigger picture? Obviously the scouting reports on the ageing veterans would be a backup plan if Winston is allowed to choose the door. If that happens, which isn’t expected. One of the aforementioned vets would be used as a stop gap for the drafted rookie to learn under for at most two seasons.
Of the three future Hall Of Famers, Phillip Rivers would probably be the guy. Nobody could convince me that Tom Brady is going to leave the Patriots. If in fact he does leave I can’t see him choosing the Bucs. The Raiders, and Chargers have been reported as probable landing sights if Brady says goodbye to Foxborough.
Rumors say one thing, appearances say otherwise
As far as Drew Brees, he may very well choose retirement. I also find it hard to believe that Brees would leave the Sean Payton Offense, and the Saints, especially to a division rival.
The Saints have two quarterbacks to choose from to replace Brees if he retires. Taysom Hill who will be a restricted free agent, and Teddy Bridgewater who has a more open door to bolt if he chooses to, and would carry a pretty high price tag.
The Saints won’t keep both Brees and Bridgewater, their cap room won’t allow it. When it comes to Rivers situation, it’s more clear. The Chargers have already said they are moving on from Rivers, and the man has moved his family to North Florida.
I’ve felt for a few weeks that the best option for the Bucs is to let Winston walk. Sign Rivers for two seasons, for less than Winston is asking for. Use the savings to help re-sign some of our free agents. Draft a quarterback in the second round. Allow the rookie two seasons to learn under Rivers and takeover in the third year.
Rivers still has the skills to take the Bucs to success. With the tight ends, and receivers we have here, Rivers could easily bounce back from a disappointing 2019 season with the Chargers. In Arians’ offense, I’m sure he would flourish.
What’s more likely to happen?
After saying all that I would like to see happen, now I will say what is more likely to happen. It’s most likely that Winston will still be here next year. Possibly in a lesser move by the team by placing the franchice tag upon him. That would cost the team about $27 million. The deadline for tagging Jameis Winston would be by 4 p.m. March 3rd.
No matter which way the Glazier Brothers decide to go. It appears drafting a quarterback to learn and play backup is a foregone conclusion. Which I will say, is a wonderful idea. At least they will get that part of the equation right no matter what happens with Jameis.
So hold on tight, it’s probably only going to get crazier, and certainly more dramatic. There has never been anything subtle about Mr. Winston, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon, or probably ever.
There is, of course, the chance that Jameis overcomes his interception problem, and all ends well with him in Tampa. The odds say that isn’t going to happen. This is the Bucs, and stranger things have happened, time will tell. At this point though, this is where we stand.