NFL Notes: Jameis Winston, Cam Newton, Draft

Jameis Winston

By signing Tom Brady, the Buccaneers effectively ended QB Jameis Winston‘s time in Tampa Bay for the foreseeable future. Now the former No. 1 overall pick in 2015 finds his career in limbo. He’s shown undeniable talent, leading the NFL in passing yards last season as his latest accomplishment, but a penchant for turnovers has left him without a starting job and with few obvious options. However, Winston is apparently taking being replaced by Brady in stride. 

“Well one thing you can learn about me is my faith. I have tremendous faith in my Lord. One thing about Tom Brady, it’s understood that he’s the G.O.A.T.,” Winston said during an appearance on FOX News via NFL Media’s Nick Shook. “For you to get replaced by Tom Brady in a city that you love so much, I guess that’s kudos to me. But at the end of the day, it’s a competitive sport. We’re all in the business. I’m excited for whatever opportunity may hold and eventually I’m going to have to play the Tom Brady’s, the Patrick Mahomes‘s and all the other great quarterbacks eventually. That’s how you win Super Bowls and that’s what I want.”

We have him included in our Top 100 Available 2020 Free Agents list.

Cam Newton

For the first time in his NFL career, QB Cam Newton is not a member of the Carolina Panthers. The former No. 1 overall pick has described the experience as disorienting, particularly with the added factor of the pandemic shutdown disrupting regular life. But he’s still focused on improving and making the most of his next opportunity, whichever team that’s with. 

“I really have taken this time to become stronger mentally, physically and spiritually,” Newton said via Sheena Paul of 1340AM FOX Sports. “I think that’s more important than anything, man. I’ve gained this interest in meditating every morning. And it’s time for me, where I’m a fish out of water. I’ve never not known anything other than the Carolina Panthers, and now it’s like I want God to direct my path and put me in a position where I can thrive and be myself. But on top of that, it’s still [about] becoming better.”

We have him included in our Top 100 Available 2020 Free Agents list.

Draft

• According to Mike Garafolo, the NFL considered giving timeouts during the 2020 NFL Draft to teams should they experience technical issues during the selection or trade process, but they ruled it was not necessary. 
• Garafolo adds that league executives feel there are “more than enough” options for teams to execute picks and trades given they are planning to have an open conference call among all 32 teams and also have other modes of communication available. 
• Tom Pelissero reports that the NFL has been in contact with clubs about their tech-setup for this year’s draft and how to address their individual needs to make the process run smoothly. 
• Pelissero mentions that the league is expected to run a virtual “Mock Draft” with all 32 teams to prepare for the real-time running. 
• Washington C Nick Harris has video-conference calls scheduled with 15 NFL teams including the Jets, Falcons, Chargers, Chiefs, Cardinals, and Buccaneers. (Aaron Wilson)