Bruce Arians is prepared to enter the 2020 season with Jameis Winston as his starting quarterback, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach admits that he will explore other options before trying to bring Winston back. As many expected, Tom Brady will be one of those options.
The Bucs can place the franchise tag on Winston before he becomes a free agent, but Arians told reporters on Tuesday that the team will examine the quarterback market before deciding whether or not to go that route. Arians once again expressed concerns over Winston’s inability to protect the ball, but the coach also said “hell yeah” when asked if he believes Tampa can win with Jameis.
Arians on weighing the good and bad of Jameis Winston: “Five thousand yards and 30 touchdowns (33) is awesome. Thirty interceptions … Can we win with Jameis? Hell, yeah. There’s no doubt. As a head coach, you have to decide ‘Is there a better option?’”
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 25, 2020
When asked for a specific example of someone he might reach out to before committing to Winston, Arians mentioned Brady.
Lots of quotes of significance from Arians, especially relating to Winston. Definitely aware that there could be available options he would want to consider. “Tom Brady,” he answered when asked for an example of someone he might prefer.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 25, 2020
While it may be a bit unusual for a coach to be so forthcoming about his plans at the QB position, nothing Arians said is a huge surprise. Arians reiterated that he was discouraged by Winston’s play down the stretch in 2019, which included six interceptions over Tampa’s final two games. The coach has already said multiple times this offseason that the Bucs will try to find someone better than Winston before making a final decision about the former Florida State star.
Arians didn’t mention Philip Rivers, but the 38-year-old is another possible option for the Bucs. It’s unclear if Arians would consider Rivers an upgrade over Winston, however.
Winston made a big change in his life this offseason that could potentially help him on the field, though Arians doesn’t seem overly excited about it. While it is unlikely that Brady would sign with Tampa, Winston is going to have to wait for Brady’s free agency to play out before getting more clarity on his own future.
