Page 24 - Florida Sentinel 3-13-20

Sports
What Is The Bucs Contingency Plan At Quarterback If Winston Leaves
Let’s be real with our- selves here. If the Bucca- neers really wanted to bring back Jameis Winston (and I mean really wanted to), they would have re-signed him by now. Why really? Be- cause they wouldn’t feel that any price would be too steep to bring back their supposed franchise quarterback.
On the flip side, if Win- ston really wanted to return, he’d realize that betting on himself in free agency could backfire similar to how he bet on himself in 2019 before throwing 30 interceptions. Perhaps lowering his de- mands would also help, as the Bucs reportedly let it be known that if he doesn’t then there is no point in negotiat- ing further. It seems like that is just an after thought.
So here we are.
Teams don’t just let their franchise quarterbacks test the free agent market. Tom Brady had previously signed extensions before the start of free agency and dur- ing the regular season. Guys like Philip Rivers and Pey- ton Manning have done it, too. It’s just what teams do when they know they have a franchise quarterback they can’t be without at a young age.
However, the Buccaneers are dealing with Jameis Winston, not the previously mentioned quarterbacks.
It’s not fair to compare Winston to those who have a spot ready for them in Can- ton when their names are called. Those quarterbacks were helped by good de- fenses, good running games, and consistency within the offense for the most part. We know that Winston was at a disadvantage from Day 1 with an offensive coordina- tor that scaled back his abil- ity to then really enforce limitations once given the head coaching title because of fear, no help from the de-
JAMEIS WINSTON
fense, and the inability to ever establish a trusted run- ning game.
“But he should carry the team on his back. That’s what good quarterbacks do.” Yet, he has. But when he has, either a kicker has missed field goals or the defense couldn’t stop a third string quarterback from driving down the field. Winston has been asked to do a lot in his young career. And while he has tried to be the hero, he has shot himself in the foot plenty of times, too.
His accolades get easily overshadowed by the fum- bles in previous seasons, all the interceptions last season, the off-target throws, etc. You name it, there are rea- sons you can easily come up with opposing a new contract just as easy as it is finding reasons why he deserves one.
It is that inconsistency that has put Tampa Bay in between a rock and a hard place. Not the terrible offen- sive line. It is why they seem more than willing to gamble their future and let Win- ston test the free agent wa- ters. And if so, I’m sure they have some sort of a fallback plan in case Winston walks. This will be one of the biggest mistakes Coach Bruce Arians and the Glazers are making in fran- chise history. Maybe the Bucs should consider getting rid of the GM? Monday we will know!
Cowboys’ Contract Offer To Dak Prescott Is Above Jared Goff Deal
The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to reach a new contract agreement with Dak Prescott, and they are getting serious with their offers.
The Cowboys’ latest offer to Prescott is “above the (Jared) Goff deal.” It is not clear in what ways the contract was “above” Goff’s — total money, length in years, annual salary, or guaranteed money.
Prior to last season, Goff received a 4-year, $134 million contract from the Rams that included $57 million guaran- teed. That breaks out to $33.5 million per season.
The Cowboys reportedly gave Prescott a contract offer worth $33 million per season and $105 million guaranteed.
If the two sides are unable to come to a deal on a long-
DAK PRESCOTT
term contract by Thursday’s deadline, expect the Cowboys to place a franchise tag on Prescott, which would pay him $33 million.
In addition to locking up their quarterback, the Cow- boys are also looking to sign Amari Cooper.
Josh Norman Signs One-Year Deal With Bills
JOSH NORMAN
The Washington Redskins moved on from Josh Nor- man last month following four largely disappointing sea- sons with the team, but the veteran cornerback has al- ready found a new home.
Norman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
The deal is worth $6 mil- lion and could go as high as $8 million with incentives.
Cardale Jones Benched Five Weeks Into XFL Season
CARDALE JONES
Cardale Jones was one of the biggest names to join the XFL. Five weeks into the sea- son, he’s already been benched.
Jones threw his seventh interception of the season early in the DC Defenders’ Week 5 game against St. Louis and was promptly benched as a result.
Tyree Jackson, Jones’ replacement, came in and threw a touchdown pass, likely solidifying his hold on the job.
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