Jameis Winston will not be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer in 2020, but where he ends up is anybody’s guess at the moment. With Tom Brady in his old job, Winston is looking for a new one, but his market has all but dried up for a starting job this upcoming season.
The odds favor Washington and the Chargers at the moment, but neither seem too keen on bringing him in as a starter. Washington, New England and the Chargers all reportedly are not interested in signing the quarterback. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on Monday that the Chargers aren’t interested and that there’s no place for Winston as a starter in 2020. He likens Winston’s 2020 to Ryan Tannehill’s 2019, where he’ll need to find a place he can see some hope to compete for the job, with Tannehill’s success as the ultimate goal.
Winston was the No. 1 draft pick just five seasons ago and last year he led the league in passing yards and was second in touchdown passes, but he also became the first quarterback to ever join the 30/30 club by throwing 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. Winston’s interception numbers have always been poor but under Bruce Arians he threw the ball more often and was given more leeway for mistakes.
Winston’s inability to read coverages and make good decisions under pressure will need to improve for him to get another chance as a starter, but who might ultimately give him that chance?
The Chargers look to be sold on Tyrod Taylor and whoever they pick in the first round. Ron Rivera knows Winston well and Washington beat reporter John Keim has a source who says the team will not pursue Winston. And NFL Network’s Mike Giardi says the Patriots are “unlikely” to target Winston. At this point, Winston will need to take whatever deal he can find to give him a chance to rebuild his reputation.
There are very few spots where Winston could go in as a backup, and if he can improve, eventually take over as the starter, but the Pittsburgh Steelers might be the best. Ben Roethlisberger is closing in on retirement and Winston has been compared to Roethlisberger often. Both are big quarterbacks who can take hits and throw the ball deep and both will take risks. Roethlisberger would be a good quarterback to learn from in that he has a better handle on when to take those risks.
The Jacksonville Jaguars make some sense, as Gardner Minshew isn’t the longterm answer and Winston’s price tag will continue to fall. The Jaguars are tanking, but Winston’s ability, sans the interceptions, is something worth taking a risk on, as he is still just 26-years old.
Overall, there is no frontrunner for Winston. He’s too high profile to bring in along with a young quarterback who the team wants to keep happy and all the spots that needed quarterbacks this season are gone or don’t want Winston. As his price drops, he should get more suitors, but things are wide open at the moment.
Jameis Winston new team odds
Team | Odds 3/22 |
---|---|
Team | Odds 3/22 |
LA Chargers | +350 |
Washington | +350 |
JAX Jaguars | +400 |
NE Patriots | +800 |
DEN Broncos | +1000 |
MIA Dolphins | +1400 |
PIT Steelers | +1400 |
TB Buccaneers | +1400 |
NO Saints | +2000 |
GB Packers | +3000 |
ATL Falcons | +3300 |
CIN Bengals | +3300 |
PHI Eagles | +3300 |
SF 49ers | +3300 |
TEN Titans | +3300 |
BUF Bills | +5000 |
NY Jets | +5000 |
IND Colts | +8000 |
NY Giants | +8000 |
ARI Cardinals | +10000 |
BAL Ravens | +10000 |
CAR Panthers | +10000 |
CHI Bears | +10000 |
DAL Cowboys | +10000 |
DET Lions | +10000 |
HOU Texans | +10000 |
KC Chiefs | +10000 |
Las Vegas Raiders | +10000 |
LA Rams | +10000 |
MIN Vikings | +10000 |
SEA Seahawks | +10000 |
CLE Browns | +25000 |
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