Category: Latest Team News

Marc Sessler calls Jameis Winston the ‘riskiest free agent of 2020’

See why Marc Sessler over at NFL.com thinks Jameis Winston could be a risky acquisition for any team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been to the postseason since 2007, but given all the chatter surrounding the club as we approach free agency, you’d think they were already Super Bowl favorites heading into 2020.

That’ll happen when a guy like Tom Brady is linked to your team. While Tampa Bay can still opt to bring Jameis Winston back, those 30 interceptions make it hard to justify paying the former number one overall pick, even if it is just on a one-year deal.

Winston could very well be done in Tampa Bay, and according to Marc Sessler over at NFL.com, Winston is the riskiest free agent of 2020. Even if the Bucs don’t bring him back, Sessler thinks it will be hard for the former Heisman Trophy winner to find work as a starter in 2020.

Per Sessler:

“With a record-setting seven pick-sixes in 2019, Winston appears to be done in Tampa — with the Bucs reportedly hot to trot for Brady — and realistically out of rope as a starting NFL quarterback. No franchise can sell Winston as a QB1 due to his perilous ball security. The risk is reduced in a backup role, but that scenario screams for some under-fire coach turning to Jameis in, say, Week 7 — and suffering the consequences.”

If Winston is destined to be a backup in 2020, there are several experts, including Peter King of NBC Sports, who feel he could benefit from sitting for a year behind a guy like Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. Winston would get a chance to learn from Big Ben — another Bruce Arians protege — and inherit the starting job once Ben calls it a career. Plus, he’d be coached by Mike Tomlin, one of the most respected, no-nonsense coaches in the league.

It might not be the ideal situation for Winston in the short term, but long term, it could pay big dividends.

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Bucs signing Tom Brady may make things awkward for Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin may find himself in an awkward situation should the team sign QB Tom Brady in free agency.

Leagues around the world may be putting things on hold right now because of the coronavirus pandemic, but as of now, NFL free agency is still set to begin next week.

For the first time in ages, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may actually be big-time players in the market, with a chance of landing the greatest quarterback in NFL history in Tom Brady. Several experts believe the Bucs can offer Brady a great chance to win now given their experienced head coach and the fact they have one of the league’s most high-powered offenses, led by wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Both Evans and Godwin eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season, so adding a guy like Brady could potentially make this Tampa Bay offense even better, which is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL.

But, if Brady were to sign with the Bucs, it might make things a bit awkward for Godwin. Why? Well, because he currently dons the No. 12 jersey Brady has made famous and a part of his TB12 brand.

And, it’s not like Godwin just chose the number at random when he was drafted by the Bucs in 2017. He wore the number at Middletown High School in Delaware and at Penn State.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

While I’m sure Brady would be more than willing to rent the number from the Bucs’ star wideout for a season or two, he’d have to make him a pretty sweet offer, especially when you consider Godwin’s star is on the rise.

Fortunately, I’m sure Brady can afford it.

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Here’s a sneak peek at what the new Bucs jerseys might look like

Paul Lukas over at Uni Watch has given us an idea of what the new Buccaneers uniforms might look like.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team on the rise after a strong 4-2 finish to the 2019 season. So, what better way to turn the page and look towards the future than with a jersey redesign?

The Bucs announced recently that they will be ditching their uniforms — which came into effect back in 2014 — in favor of something a little less… well, ridiculous. (Tampa Bay’s jerseys were one of the nicest in the league before someone thought alarm clock numbers would be a nice upgrade.)

While we’ll have to wait until April for the official reveal, Paul Lukas over at Uni Watch has seen the new jerseys and given us a description of what they look like.

Here’s part of what Lukas said:

•  There are two jerseys (red and white) and two sets of pants (pewter and white). The pewter pants will not be as shiny/metellic as the old ones, because that’s the reality of the fabric being used these days.

• The red jersey has white block numbers outlined in black (but no orange layer, at least that I could see). The “Buccaneers” wordmark has been restored to the chest, but this time it’s rendered in black (not white, as it had been in the Super Bowl set). Block TV numbers are on the shoulders. The Bucs’ current ship logo appears on the sleeves. The back of the jersey has the same white numbers outlined in black, along with white nameplate lettering.

While Lukas was unable to take actual photos of the jerseys, he did have some help in putting together a rendering of what they look like.

Take a look.

Courtesy of Uni Watch
Courtesy of Uni Watch

It definitely looks like they are going back to the old style they wore prior to the change in 2014. Sadly, it appears as though we won’t be getting any orange uniforms this time around. But, hey, this is a step in the right direction.

What do you guys think?

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NFL.com examines QB situation for all 32 teams; Bucs at crossroads

See what Nick Shook of “Around the NFL” thinks of the quarterback situation in Tampa Bay involving the Buccaneers and Jameis Winston.

The big news of the day comes from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, who says the Tampa Bay Buccaneers “are going all in on Tom Brady.” It’s a bold move by the Bucs, but one you have to respect, especially when you consider this is a franchise that hasn’t been to the postseason since 2007.

While Brady’s name has been thrown into the mix, so too has the name Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater, each of whom seems like a good fit in Tampa Bay. But, let’s not forget about Jameis Winston. While the quarterback did have the first 30-30 season in NFL history (33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions), there are those who feel he deserves at least one more season playing in Bruce Arians’ system, which can be difficult to grasp right away.

Winston seems destined as of now to hit the open market, which doesn’t necessarily mean the Bucs won’t bring him back, but it is clear they are going to examine all possible avenues when it comes to the quarterback position.

Around the NFL writer Nick Shook examined the QB situation for all 32 NFL teams, and not surprisingly, he listed the Bucs as one of several teams at a crossroads.

Per Shook:

“Either the Buccaneers bring back Winston — perhaps a new-and-improved version, after he underwent LASIK eye surgery and has had an offseason to recover from a broken thumb and a torn meniscus — or they turn to a veteran on the open market while also tabbing a youngster to become the franchise’s future at the position. It’s decision time for the Buccaneers, and at the moment, it doesn’t seem like we’re trending toward another campaign with Winston under center.”

Shook also made note of the fact that Bucs head coach Bruce Arians has “been less than enthusiastic when answering questions about Winston’s future with the team.” Peter King of NBC Sports noted in his weekly column last month that Arians’ attitude towards Winston seemed to change drastically as the season progressed.

Could all this just be a negotiating tactic by the Bucs to get Winston back on a cheap deal? The more time goes on, the less likely that seems to be. Tampa Bay is in “win now” mode, and unfortunately, Winston may be the odd man out.

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Report: Bucs going all in on QB Tom Brady

See why Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times feels the Bucs are strong contenders to land QB Tom Brady once free agency starts.

Free agency begins next week, but that doesn’t mean the rumor mill is slowing down. One of the hottest free agents out there will be quarterback Tom Brady. The six-time Super Bowl champion may very well end up leaving the only team he’s ever played for, and one place he could wind up is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Not only do the Buccaneers have the offensive assets to lure Brady to the Sunshine State — a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and a tight end in O.J. Howard ready to have a breakout year — but playing for a guy like Bruce Arians may be a breath of fresh air personality-wise for Brady, especially when you consider the demeanor of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

And, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs are “going all in on Tom Brady.”

Per Stroud:

“It’s true. The franchise that has not reached the postseason in 12 years will do almost anything to land the quarterback who has been to the playoffs for 11 straight seasons and won six Super Bowls.”

Stroud also points out the fact that the Bucs have roughly $80 million in cap space, the fourth-most of any team, so they have what it takes to outbid virtually every other team.

As I wrote about last week, the NFL should want Brady in Tampa Bay since it would provide us with Brady vs. Drew Brees and Brady vs. Matt Ryan twice next season in the NFC South. It’s a ratings bonanza the league should be hoping comes to fruition.

Stroud says the Bucs could also pursue Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater, making it increasingly clear that neither Arians and the Bucs no longer think of Winston as the long-term solution. And, while Brady will be 43 next season and may only have one or two years left in him, having a six-time Super Bowl champion under center may get the Bucs back to the postseason sooner rather than later.

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Jameis Winston comes in at No. 29, Shaq Barrett No. 9 in ESPN’s list of Top 100 free agents

See where some of your favorite Tampa Bay Buccaneers players land on ESPN’s list of the top 100 free agents of 2020.

One week from today, the mayhem that is NFL free agency will begin in full force with the start of the new league year on March 18. Teams will be scrambling to fill roster spots, hoping they have the money and resources to lure some of this year’s prized free agents to their team.

The Buccaneers will have to address several free agents of their own, including Shaq Barrett and Jameis Winston. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the other week that the Bucs could wind up using the franchise tag on Barrett if the two sides can’t come to a long-term agreement. That scenario may not be the ideal one for Winston, who is hoping the team brings him back after his 30-interception season.

So, where do Barrett and Winston find themselves on ESPN’s list of the top 100 free agents of 2020? Kevin Seifert has Barrett in his top 10, putting him at No. 9, while pointing out his mega 2019 season.

“Rarely has a player raised his value more in a contract year than Barrett did in 2019. After signing a one-year contract with the Buccaneers worth $5 million, Barrett led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. Although not all sacks are equal, it would be difficult to record that many without displaying some exceptional pass-rushing skills and playmaking along the way.”

Winston made the top 30, coming in at No. 29.

“All you need to know about Winston is that in 2019 he became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season. His downfield explosiveness is undeniable, but his turnover rate is totally out of sync with today’s passing-friendly league. It had been 31 years since a quarterback threw as many as 30 interceptions in one season. The Buccaneers seem determined to evaluate other options.”

The Bucs will of course want to do their due diligence before committing to Winston one way or the other, but they should not ignore the words of former players who think Winston is poised for a big Year 2 under Bruce Arians. Tampa Bay will need to determine if the risk of bringing in another quarterback is worth it.

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This player was named the Bucs’ worst free agent signing since 2015

Find out who Jenna Laine of ESPN called the worst free agent signing by the Buccaneers over the last five years.

One week from tomorrow, March 18, 2020, the new league year begins for the NFL with the official start of free agency. Teams with significant cap space will likely be active players in a rich market that’ll feature names like Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and more.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to keep the momentum going after a strong 4-2 finish to 2019. But, if the Bucs seriously want to contend for a postseason spot in 2020, they are going to have to be wise spenders.

That’s easier said than done.

Sometimes, free agents exceed expectations, like linebacker Shaq Barrett, who led the NFL last season with 19.5 sacks after signing just a one-year deal with Tampa Bay last offseason. Barrett is in line for a big payday this offseason, most likely from the Bucs. After his dominant 2019 season, it’s no surprise that Barrett was named as the Bucs’ best free agent signing over the last five years by ESPN.

As for who ESPN’s Jenna Laine thinks was the team’s worst free agent signing since 2015, well, that distinction goes to former DT Chris Baker.

Per Laine:

“He signed a three-year deal worth $15.75 million in 2017 but was gone after one season. While Baker provided comedic relief on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks,’ players and coaches became increasingly frustrated by his perceived lack of effort. The breaking point came when he was smiling after an encroachment penalty that cost the Bucs a win against the Panthers, resulting in a shouting match with several players in the locker room.“

The shouting match Laine is referring to involved both Jameis Winston and former Bucs LB Kwon Alexander confronting Baker, who lasted just one season with the Bucs.

Hopefully, Tampa Bay will find another Barrett rather than Baker in free agency this year.

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Cynthia Frelund discusses the greatness of the Bucs receiving corps

See why Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com believes the Buccaneers are in the best shape of any NFL team when it comes to their receiving corps.

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be faced with a number of daunting questions this offseason, like what to do with Jameis Winston and whether or not to franchise tag Shaq Barrett, there’s one area they seem to be just fine in: wide receiver.

The Bucs led the NFL again in 2019 with the league’s best passing attack, as Tampa Bay averaged 320.4 receiving yards per game. Much of that can be attributed to the seasons of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both of whom surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Not to be forgotten, too, was Breshad Perriman, who finished 2019 with 36 receptions for 645 yards and six touchdowns. Perriman will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and ESPN has him pegged as one of the more underrated players available on the market.

Cynthia Frelund of NFL.com examined every team’s receiver situation, and, not surprisingly, her analytics showed that the Bucs clearly had the best duo in the game.

Per Frelund:

“No wide receiver duo created a higher win share in my model than Evans and Godwin last season. The Bucs are another team that doesn’t need to devote huge resources to changing the receiving corps, especially considering the Tampa receivers’ air yards-per-target mark of 13.9 ranked best in the NFL, per NGS. And also, there’s Bruce Arians.”

Evans hitting 1,000 yards has become the norm, as it was the Pro Bowler’s sixth-straight season hitting that mark, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most by a receiver to begin his career.

Godwin, meanwhile, enjoyed his first 1,000-yard season in his third year. Despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury for the final two games of the season, Godwin still finished the year with 86 receptions for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns, career highs across the board.

One thing’s for sure — whoever the Bucs have under center in 2020, he’s going to have a lot to work with thanks to these two.

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This Bucs receiver lands on list of most underrated free agents

Which Buccaneers player landed on ESPN’s list of most underrated free agents?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be active players once free agency starts next week. From re-signing Shaq Barrett to the possibility of luring a big-name veteran QB like Philip Rivers or Tom Brady to Tampa, the Bucs have a lot on the line.

While Barrett tops their list of offseason priorities, there are other players who are heading to free agency that the team would love to retain, like Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul. And, don’t forget, quarterback Jameis Winston is going to be a free agent, too.

But, as ESPN points out, there’s one Bucs player heading into free agency who many teams might be overlooking. Sam Monson at ESPN listed Bucs wide receiver Breshad Perriman as an underrated NFL free agent.

Per Monson:

“In the last few games of Tampa Bay’s 2019 season, the former first-round draft bust flashed the potential that made him such an enticing prospect. Thrust into the starting lineup because of injuries, Perriman recorded 100-yard games in the final three outings, and he didn’t drop a single pass in any one of them. He still represents a long shot, but he is also just 26 years old and could be signed for a bargain price because of his career history to date.”

Perriman came on strong at the end of the year, even making some history in the process. It was a shame it took so long for him to finally break through, but those big games will likely lead to a nice little payday for him. Whether or not that money comes from the Bucs remains to be seen, however.

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ESPN looks at what a Bucs offer to QB Tom Brady might look like

See what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could wind up offering QB Tom Brady in free agency.

March 18, 2020 marks the new league year for the NFL and the start of free agency. This year’s class of free agents will include future Hall of Fame QBs Philip Rivers and Tom Brady, something most people probably thought they’d never see happen.

Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion, has been linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and for good reason. A pair of young 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin offers Brady a chance at an elite passing attack. Plus, the Bucs’ young defense is making major strides under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, so the postseason is more than realistic for this team in 2020.

ESPN put together four hypothetical offers from teams Brady could easily end up signing with, and Tampa Bay was one of the four teams on the list.

Courtesy of ESPN

Here’s what Jenna Laine had to say about the Bucs and Brady.

Per Laine:

“Winning isn’t what’s going to lure Brady to Tampa — it’s the idea of a challenge. The Bucs haven’t been to the postseason since 2007 and have put together two winning seasons in the past decade. But they have something Brady hasn’t enjoyed since 2011 (or 2009, if you’re talking strictly receivers not including Rob Gronkowski): two 1,100-yard Pro Bowl receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs have more than $81 million in cap space — fourth most in the NFL — to improve a roster that just went 7-9 with Jameis Winston throwing 30 interceptions. And there’s no state income tax, so it’s an ideal retirement destination.”

Again, I don’t think we talk about that no-state-income-tax benefit enough. Plus, Laine points out the appeal Bruce Arians offers as a head coach, especially when you consider his personality compared to that of Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

“Brady has also never had a head coach like Bruce Arians, who wants to drink beers in the parking lot after games (he’s still looking for a spot to do this). There might not be a more fun coach to play for than Arians.”

If Brady does come to the NFC South, the NFL would be in ratings heaven  next season.

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