The final free agent that the Buccaneers need to handle safely and tactfully is quarterback Jameis Winston. Bringing back Winston may be a move that many fans will not be as unified on but in the end this is the move that makes the most sense.
The Buccaneers have to bring Jameis back because it gives them the absolute best chance to compete and win in 2020. Winston may make some head-scratching plays at times but also has his share of jaw-dropping moments as well.
Jameis has had far more weapons around him that most Jameis defenders would say as he had a middle of the pack offensive line in 2019 (sacks aren’t a measure of offensive line success), a more explosive run game with Ronald Jones getting the bigger share of the touches, and the best receiving corps in the league.
With all of these weapons around him, Jameis was able to throw for over 5,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. These numbers were extremely impressive but were at times overshadowed by the 30 interceptions that Jameis also threw.
Regardless, more than anything the Buccaneers have to use 2020 as a year to see if Jameis can take the right steps under Bruce Arians. It is very clear that Winston is talented and has a high upside, but he must show improvements in 2020.
The Buccaneers should realistically bring Winston back via the franchise tag or on a short-term deal to make sure that he is trending in the right direction. No one knows how Jameis will play in 2020 and the Bucs need to tread lightly before throwing too much money at Winston while also making sure that they don’t let him walk away and miss out if he does improve.