![]() To many, it was clear that Tampa needed a new quarterback, but it wasn’t clear which quarterback would be selected first overall by the Buccaneers. If they don’t watch what they spend at the quarterback position, they will have to make sacrifices elsewhere.As Jameis Winston enters the final year of his contract in 2019, has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback done enough to secure his future?Ĭoming into the 2015 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished off the previous year with Josh McCown and Mike Glennon as their quarterbacks. There is no way they can head into 2020 without a credible No. They have to fit not only his salary under the cap but also his backup’s salary. What if Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa (hip injury) slides? What do they think of Oregon’s Justin Herbert? Washington’s Jacob Eason?įor the Bucs, it’s not simply a matter of whether to bring back Winston. Right now, they own the 14th pick in the first round, which means they might have to trade up if there’s someone they want. The Bucs can’t rule out taking a quarterback in the 2020 NFL draft, either. Might the Bucs prefer Teddy Bridgewater or Philip Rivers? It’s unlikely that the Cowboys let Dak Prescott get away, but what do the Patriots do with Tom Brady? Cam Newton could be available, as could Alex Smith. It’s not as if Winston has proven that he is demonstrably better than every prospective free-agent quarterback. It doesn’t help Winston’s cause that the Titans, after a 2-4 start this season, benched Marcus Mariota in favor castoff Ryan Tannehill and rallied to make the playoffs. In theory, such a framework would give the Bucs flexibility to part ways with Winston after 2020, but they’d have to absorb a hefty dead-cap penalty in 2021, much like the Ravens did this season for trading Joe Flacco.Ī scenario that once seemed unlikely - the Bucs deciding that they’re better off without Winston - is now a real possibility. Such a deal could reduce Winston’s 2020 cap hit to something in the range of $20 million to $25 million on the condition that the Bucs guarantee a significant portion of his 2021 salary. ![]() In Winston’s case, the Bucs could offer him a contract that they could spin as a three-year pact worth up to $90 million but in reality would pay him only $30 million to $35 million. He’s due to make $14.3 million in 2021, but none of that is guaranteed. His 2020 salary, however, jumps to $14.5 million, all of which is guaranteed. Instead, he signed a three-year contract that paid him $12.5 million in 2019. Had Tampa Bay applied the franchise tag to Smith, he would have received $14.1 million this season. One way to do that is by offering Winston a short-term contract similar in structure to the one they gave left tackle Donovan Smith in March. If the Bucs want to avoid the 2020 salary cap hit that comes with the franchise and transition tags, they’ll have to get creative. If the Bucs declined, they would receive two first-round draft picks from the signing team. ![]() Under the terms of the nonexclusive tag, Winston would be free to negotiate with other teams, but if he received an offer, Tampa Bay would have the option of matching it. If the Bucs were to apply the nonexclusive tag to Winston, they would be offering him a one-year contract that pays him the average of the top five quarterback salaries, which is projected to be $26.7 million. Each team can use the franchise tag (exclusive or nonexclusive) on one player per offseason. ![]() One such method is the franchise tag, of which there are two types: the exclusive franchise tag (rarely used) and the nonexclusive franchise tag (more commonly used). The collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players association allows teams to retain their top players even after their contracts expire. Winston has completed the contract he signed as a rookie in 2015, so after the Super Bowl, he’ll be free to sign with whomever he wants, right? Not in the NFL. So what will the Bucs do? Let’s run through their options: Nonexclusive franchise tag At 67 years old, he can’t wait for the Winston breakout season that might never come. It’s also possible that Arians truly wants to weigh every possible option. There’s much they want to accomplish, including keeping their defensive front seven and receiving corps together. The Bucs are projected to have $90 million in cap space this offseason, but they’ll have to use it wisely. ![]() It’s possible that Arians is taking care to not drive up Winston’s value. ![]()
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