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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