Bruce Arians: “Really Good Chance” Jameis Winston Gets Contract Extension

Bruce Arians: “Really Good Chance” Jameis Winston Gets Contract Extension

Is Jameis Winston really the quarterback of the future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? It sure as hell sounds like it. Given the recent performance of Winston, it sounds like he is their guy moving forward. Over the past two weeks, the Bucs put up 64 points against the Seahawks and Cardinals. That may be good enough to convince the Bucs they have their guy long term.

Bruce Arians spoke to Peter King of NBC Sports:

“He’s taken us down the field to win or tie the game the last two weeks in the last two minutes,” Arians said. “That’s the maturity of a young quarterback you’re looking for. If he plays like he has the last two weeks for the rest of the season, I’d say there’s a really good chance.”

Winston, 25, is playing out the season on his 5th-year option. Through 9 games, the Bucs are 3-9. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns and 14 picks. In the last two weeks, Winston has shown signs of improving but is still turning the ball over too much. I haven’t included the 10 fumbles either. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are having really productive years. Winston has to get credit for being the trigger man.

Still, I’m curious to see what a future contract will look like? Jameis Winston is already making over $20 million on his 5th-year option. Does that mean he’s getting more than that? Will the franchise tag come into play? Will another team give Tampa a run for their money when it comes to signing Winston? This will be a fascinating negotation at the end of the season. The way Winston finishes the season may make or cost him millions upon millions.