The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still trying to figure out what to do with Jameis Winston with his $20.9 million option for next season but the team is insisting that decision is not playing into the decision if he will play again this season.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Buccaneers number one concern is still making the playoffs and the rest will work itself out. If Winston was to play and was injured, that would guarantee Winston's contract for next year.
Tampa Bay is one game back in the NFC's wild-card chase, and it will do what it believes is best at the quarterback position, without being concerned about any potential injury for Winston that would guarantee the $20.9 million on his contract for next season, sources said.
Winston is disappointed by the benching but is taking it in stride and trying to do anything he can to help the team out moving forward.
“I don't think I've ever been benched. … It's humbling,” said Winston, a Heisman Trophy winner in 2013 and the first overall draft pick in 2015. “It's something I can learn from and grow from, and it just adds to the story. Every year my job is to get better and better, and right now, I'm not getting the job done. I have been replaced and I'm moving forward.”
Winston has really struggled this year but neither coach Dirk Koetter or Winston can figure out exactly why he continues to struggle.
Right now the job is Ryan Fitzpatrick's and for Winston to get the job back, it's probably going to take some struggles by the NFL journeyman.