The relationship between Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers continues to seemingly worsen. Winston wants a payday that the Bucs seem unwilling to agree to.
The latest news surrounding the Winston saga in Tampa Bay may tell a slightly different story. Jameis seems intent on cashing in this offseason. With or without the Bucs, it seems.
The deadline for NFL teams to utilize their transition/franchise tags is merely a week away, and all signs point to Tampa Bay using it on breakout pash-rusher, Shaquil Barrett. So where does this leave Jameis Winston who’s looking to cash on a multi-year deal this offseason?
Up until this point it seemed as if the front office for the Bucs held all the leverage in their dealings with the fifth-year pro (and in the grand scheme of things, they still do), but recent revelations have shown that Winston is dead set on a deal this offseason (whether the deal is with Tampa bay or elsewhere).
ESPN reporter, Josina Anderson, recently revealed perhaps the real reason the Buccaneers are making serious moves to potentially find a replacement at quarterback.
Latest pulse check on Jameis Winston & #Bucs from last night to this am: "All QB options remain open." I was also told a high contract demand is not going to help t/ situation for Winston remaining. Big decision for the #Bucs. Still a QB that threw 5,000+ yards, & yes 30INT.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 3, 2020
On the surface, it all makes sense. Winston knows that at 26 years of age, this is likely his one shot at a big contract for his position. If he takes a one year prove-it deal or is franchised this season and gets injured, all hopes of a nine-figure contract are dead in the water. In simpler terms, Jameis realizes his window to “secure the bag” is now. Whether he secures it with Tampa Bay or not.
By the looks of things, Winston isn’t backing down and the Buccaneers aren’t caving in. Could a parting between the two be coming soon?