The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be on the cusp on making a return to the postseason, somewhere they haven’t been since 2007.
Despite finishing only 7-9, Tampa Bay went on a surge in the second half of the season after a 3-7 start. The biggest story of the year was, of course, the play of quarterback Jameis Winston, who captivated the league with his exciting, yet turnover-filled play. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for over 5,000 yards, but also became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a season.
Tampa Bay is still deciding whether or not to bring Winston back in 2020. One name that has been floated around as a possible replacement for Winston is former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who recently moved his entire family out of their San Diego home and to Florida.
And, according to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine, the Bucs’ interest in Rivers seems legit.
Per Laine:
“The Philip Rivers rumors aren’t circulating just because Rivers and his family moved to Florida. League sources say the Bucs’ interest in the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback is legitimate, although Rivers has been plagued by many of the same issues that Winston has — interceptions. He has thrown 198 picks since 2004, third most of any player in that span. He also has thrown the second-most interceptions over the past five seasons (76), behind only Winston’s 88.”
Rivers does throw picks, but he’s proven he can get his team into the playoffs and even win. He’s a veteran and experienced quarterback who would definitely bring some swagger and confidence to that Bucs locker room.
But again, I’d feel more confident in Winston leading the Bucs in 2020 than Rivers, simply because it will be Winston’s second year in Arians’ system. I don’t think the Bucs or Arians want to go through another season of trying to get a quarterback comfortable in the offense.
[lawrence-related id=27938,27929,27912,27904]