The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a diamond in the rough in linebacker Shaq Barrett when they signed the former Denver Bronco to a one-year deal last offseason.
Barrett had a season for the ages, leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks and shattering the Bucs’ single-season franchise record. Both the Pro Bowl linebacker and Bucs seem interested in working out a long-term contract, with head coach Bruce Arians recently saying Barrett “ain’t going nowhere.”
But, Barrett isn’t the only high-profile free agent the Bucs will have to consider keeping around this offseason. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw for 5,109 yards 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions this season, is also slated to become a free agent after playing the 2019 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.
So, where do these two big-name stars land on ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents who could hit the market? As you might’ve guessed, Barrett finds himself high on the list, landing at No. 8.
Here’s ESPN’s reasoning:
“Rarely has a player raised his value more in a contract year than Barrett did. After signing a one-year contract with the Buccaneers worth $4 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-rush skills and playmaking along the way.”
Winston, however, found himself further down the list, landing right in the middle of the pack at No. 25.
“All you need to know about Winston is that in 2019 he became the first player in NFL history to throw 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, who have the No. 14 overall pick in the draft, might have no choice but to re-sign or franchise him.”
It always sounds like the Bucs are thrilled at the idea of bringing back Barrett and resigned to the fact that Winston will likely have to be brought back. While Winston was No. 25, the quarterback picked right behind him in the 2015 NFL Draft, Marcus Mariota, came in at 50.
For what it’s worth, wide receiver Breshad Perriman also found himself on the list at No. 40.
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