The Fitzmagic is back in Tampa. On Monday, the Buccaneers announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick will start at quarterback in Week 9 over Jameis Winston. 
Winston began the year by serving a multi-game suspension and Fitzpatrick made the most of the opportunity. At least, he did for a little while. Fitzpatrick led the Bucs to upset wins over the Saints and Eagles in his first two weeks and nearly got the W over the Steelers in Week 3. Things fell apart for the veteran in Week 4 against the Bears’ top-notch defense, putting Winston back into the lineup.
Unfortunately, the FSU product hasn’t fared well in recent weeks. On Sunday, Winston lobbed four interceptions and the Bucs offense only regained life when Fitzpatrick was called upon to lead the charge. The Bucs scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late as the Bengals won 37-34.
The decision to bench Winston may have ramifications beyond the 2018 season. The former No. 1 overall pick is tied to the team through 2019 through his fifth-year option, but that option is guaranteed for injury only. If the Bucs keep Winston on the pine, they can move on from him this offseason without the specter of a $20MM+ obligation.
best day ever!
Best roster decision ever.
trade winston to the NY Giants
I think Winston needs to go to the Jags! A change of scenery could help him
and the Jags need to move on from Bortles if they want to go any further in the post-season .
First they have to make the postseason this year pal ****
I’m saying they need a new QB to go further in the post-season then they did last year.
Why would you think it was this year when the season is only half over
and the post-season hasn’t even started yet?
Stop commenting
like this
you duashcanoe !
Don’t get that decision. Can’t win the division, difficult to make the playoffs and a decision in Winston coming up at the end of the year. Might go 8-8 but how does that help?
I think they just made the decision on Winston. If not, the GM would have never allowed the change to be made.
No reason to take a chance on being on the hook for $21 million in 2019 if Winston gets hurt while he’s out there chucking INT’s.
And in two weeks ‘the Bucs have benched Fitz for Winston’ then in Dec reverse the QB’s again.
Come January, “We thank the HC and GM for the wonderful hardworking, but we are looking at a different direction for 2019.”
Two QBs that can run hot to cold in a heartbeat. I think there have been a couple of times in NFL history where coaches made such a juggling act work, but those teams had strong defenses which the Bucs also lack.
Yea they should probably be looking to trade Winston at this point. If you can get a 1st and 2nd for him, take it and run. Maybe call up the old ball coach in Oakland.
A first and a second? For Winston? Joking I hope.
A 1 and a 2, wow. Just a bit optimistic aren’t you.
Yeah I said the same thing Jim but my comment was deleted somehow…
Naw. It’s right above Jim’s.
I’d be shocked if they could get anything close to that. Between all the picks he throws, his off-field problems, and the fact that he’s not cheap anymore, I’d have to imagine his value is toast by this point.
As a cowboy fan I’ll give you a 7th rounder for him
I’m guessing Toronto of the CFL would have an interest after being soundly beaten by Johnny Manziel and teammates.
What kind of weed do you smoke dude. A 1st and 2nd your lucky and I mean lucky to pull a 6th or 7th. And your not getting both with that 20 mil option hanging out there
Sam Bradfor for a 1 and 4. Carson Palmer (31-32 Age where he looked like hot garbage) for a 1 and 2. Jay Cutler for two 1sts and a 3rd and a QB. Brad Johnson for a 1st 2nd and 3rd. The NFL is full of bad GMs. I have faith one will give a 1st and another pick for the former #1 overall pick. He isn’t Jamarcus, not yet at least. Jimbo ran a fairly complex system so Jameis should be able to thrive at least somewhere.
Trade him to the jags, the competition will hopefully make one of them suck less.
I could see them getting a 3rd for him. QB class is weak next draft.