NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Redskins

Buccaneers

The Uber driver who was allegedly groped by Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston released a statement Friday to BuzzFeed News, saying that she was glad the NFL suspended him.

“I am glad to see the NFL discipline Jameis Winston. I do appreciate his apology, even it needs some work.

“I would like to publicly acknowledge the NFL investigators, particularly Lisa Friel and John Iannarelli, for their kind, professional and thorough investigation.

“My experience should highlight the importance of believing women when they have the courage to come forward about sexual assault. Perhaps that night could have been prevented if others had been believed before me.

“Mr. Winston once said, ‘Girls should be silent, polite, and gentle.’ I disagree.

“#MeToo”

Panthers

Panthers WR Devin Funchess said he assumed the lead-receiver role when the team traded Kelvin Benjamin to the Bills last year.

“I preach versatility … in whatever you do. When he left, I assumed the role of the X position. Other than that, I know every position of the offense. I’m just trying to move over to the other side and take the reins from there,” said Funchess, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Funchess added that the team has “a lot of competition” at receiver after acquiring Torrey Smith and drafting D.J. Moore in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

“We’ve got a lot of competition,” Funchess said. “Those two guys, we’ve got Jarius Wright, Damiere Byrd, Curtis Samuel, Mose Frazier. That’s just some of them. Everybody brings something different to the table. … Camp is going to tell the tale. You’ve got speed, you’ve got explosiveness and you’ve got a lot of energy. It’s going to be fun, and I can’t wait.”

Redskins

• Rich Tandler of NBC Sports writes that 2018 is an important year for Redskins TE Jordan Reed as he has a lot to prove in terms of staying healthy.
• Tandler notes that the Redskins could pick up $6.1 million of cap space by releasing him after the season, given that there won’t be any guaranteed money left in his contract.
• Should Reed deal with more injuries in 2018, Tandler believes Washington may not have any choice but to let him go.