Report: Buccaneers considering franchise tag for Shaq Barrett

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have key offseason decisions ahead, and one big one may have major implications on the rest of their roster.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers may use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Shaq Barrett if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal. That would mean the Bucs have to find another way to retain Jameis Winston if they wish to do so.

Bucs are strongly considering placing their franchise tag on pass rusher Shaquil Barrett if the two sides are unable to reach a long-term deal, per league source.

Also notable is this: Placing franchise tag on Barrett means there’d be no franchise tag left for Jameis Winston.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2020

Barrett has signaled his willingness to accept a hometown discount, but it doesn’t sound like that’s speeding up negotiations. After leading the NFL with 19.5 sacks last season, it’s quite clear that the Buccaneers really don’t want to lose him.

We don’t know what this means for Winston yet. The quarterback is set to become a free agent, and by all accounts, no decision has been made yet on his future. He’d been mentioned as a possible candidate for the tag, but this would rule that out and force the Buccaneers to either move on or look for alternate ways of keeping him.