The NFL QB carousel is about to go into overdrive in less than two weeks when the new league year begins. The 2020 NFL free agency class will feature some big-name quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Tom Brady, both of whom could be leaving the only franchises they’ve ever known (Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers have already officially parted ways).
The Buccaneers are likely going to be active riders on the carousel this year, as they have to address their own QB situation. The team could very well look to free agency to find a veteran QB, or, they could opt to bring Jameis Winston back for another year, despite the fact he threw 30 interceptions in 2019 and the team finished with a losing record again (7-9).
There are hundreds of scenarios that could play out for every quarterback on the market this year, which is why Dan Hanzus of Around the NFL tried to make sense of it all by offering up his best/worst-case scenario for 15 QBs, including Winston.
While Hanzus says the best scenario for Winston would be getting one more shot with the Bucs, his worst-case scenario is a dark one for the former No. 1 overall pick. “Tampa Bay walks away, and Winston wanders the free agency wilderness looking for a starting job that might not exist,” says Hanzus about the worst-case scenario for Winston.
As for what he thinks will most likely become of the QB? “Wearing a new uniform, Winston is on the sideline in Week 1 as someone’s backup.”
Again, that scenario isn’t all that bad, especially if Winston signs with a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers. He could watch and learn for a year sitting behind Roethlisberger and then inherit the starting gig in 2021. Plus, he’d get to play for Mike Tomlin, one of the best coaches in the NFL and an overall great guy. I think there are lots of quarterbacks in the NFL who would love an option like that.
[lawrence-related id=28816,28809,28803,28785]