NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Giants

Buccaneers

Greg Auman of The Athletic examines the Buccaneers’ roster and “big decisions” that could be ahead at each position.

• Auman writes that the Buccaneers are “committed” to QB Jameis Winston and evaluating whether he is their long-term quarterback. 
• Without any available free agent backups who have experience in Buccaneers’ new HC Bruce Arians‘ system, Auman could see the team re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick. 
• Auman points out that the Buccaneers could look to trade backup TE Cameron Brate, given Arians does not heavily use two tight ends. 
• Regarding impending free agent LT Donovan Smith, Auman believes the Buccaneers could use the franchise tag at $14 million for 2019 if they are unable to finalize an extension at $12 million or more. 
• As for a possible addition at guard, Auman names veteran OL Mike Iupati as an option given his experience with Arians. 
• Should the Buccaneers allow DT Gerald McCoy to depart through free agency, Auman “could easily see” Tampa Bay drafting a defensive tackle with their first-round pick. 
• Similarly, Auman believes the Buccaneers could use a “high draft pick” on a linebacker if they don’t re-sign LB Kwon Alexander.
• Although Auman writes that Texans’ impending free agent S Tyrann Mathieu is the Buccaneers’ “big prize” free agent target, he is unsure whether Tampa Bay would be willing to pay him $8-9 million annually. 

Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team will discuss signing a safety through the free agent market. 

“Yes, but that’s about all I’ll say,” said Jones, via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. 

• The Cowboys finalized their coaching staff on Tuesday after signing Adam Kleffner as an assistant offensive line coach. (Todd Archer)
• The Cowboys also retained RBs assistant Steve Brown, DEs assistant Andre Gurode, and STs assistant Philip Tanner. 

Giants

• Jordan Raanan reports that Odell Beckham Jr. received the final $5 million from his $20 million signing bonus on Wednesday. Beckham will make another $17 million in 2019.