Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston's fifth-year option reportedly picked up

Alec Brzezinski

Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston's fifth-year option reportedly picked up image

The Buccaneers have extended their faith in quarterback Jameis Winston.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs have picked up the fifth-year option on Winston's contract, thus paying him $20.9 million for the 2019 season.

Last year, in his third season since being picked first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston struggled with injury and threw for only 3,504 yards in 13 games. He had 19 touchdown passes with 11 interceptions.

Still, Winston has been solid on the field for Tampa Bay through three seasons, finishing with a quarterback rating of at least 82 in each season.

Off the field, Winston is currently accused of groping an Uber driver in an alleged November incident. He has not yet heard from the NFL about any possible punishment.

"I know the NFL has a process that they have to go through, and I respect that process. It's not my job to speculate on that process," Winston said, via ESPN.com. "My focus has been with this organization, getting the guys back in here and focusing what we can do to become a better team this offseason."

The Buccaneers were 5-11 in 2018, last in the tough NFC South. It will be Winston's job to lead them back up the standings during his next two seasons.

 

Alec Brzezinski