Jameis Winston May Not Be Buccaneers’ Starting QB Upon Returning From Suspension

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Buccaneers still believe QB Jameis Winston will be a “huge part of their future.”

However, sources have told Rapoport that the Buccaneers may hold off on reinstalling Wiston as their starter once he returns from suspension in Week 4. Rapoport explains that the Buccaneers will have a short week after playing Monday night and could stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter for at least another week.

Rapoport says that the Buccaneers and Winston are committed to doing what’s in the best interest of the team, even if that means going with the hot hand at quarterback.

As for the $20.9 million Winston is set to make in 2019 under his fifth-year option, Rapoport says that it won’t be a factor in whether Winston plays.

Winston, 24, is a former first-round pick of the Buccaneers back in 2015. He’s set to make a base salary of $705,000 for the 2018 season and will earn $20.922 million for the 2019 season under his fifth-year option.

In 2017, Winston appeared in 13 games for the Buccaneers and threw for 3,504 yards while completing 63.8 percent of his passes to go along with 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 16 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Winston as the news is available.