NFL Rumors: Jameis Winston Likely Staying With Buccaneers, Cam Newton A Trade Candidate In 2020

Drew Brees announced his intention to return to the New Orleans Saints, ending the uncertainty regarding one of the starting quarterbacks in the NFC South. It sounds like Jameis Winston is likely to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Cam Newton’s future with the Carolina Panthers is up in the air.

Tampa Bay could keep Winston on a short-term deal. The Buccaneers are considering using either the franchise tag or the transition tag on the quarterback, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, which would pay him somewhere between $24 million and $27 million next season.

A two-year contract between Tampa Bay and the former No.1 overall pick is also an option.

Winston, 26, led the NFL with 30 interceptions in the 2019 NFL season. He was also first with 5,109 passing yards and second with 33 touchdown passes in his first year under head coach Bruce Arians.

“People around the league expect Winston to stay because he’s still a great fit for that offense,” Fowler said on “Get Up” Monday morning. “Bruce Arians wants to go vertical. He can do that if he cuts down on those interceptions. Of course, it’s been ugly, but they still have him in their plans, at least right now.”

It’s been speculated that Tampa Bay could move on from Winston in favor of a veteran like Philip Rivers. Winston is nearly 13 years younger than Rivers, and possibly a better quarterback at this stage of their respective careers.

It’s hard to say how good of a signal caller Newton will be going forward. The 2015 NFL MVP underwent shoulder surgery in January 2019. He only made two starts for Carolina last season before missing the final 14 games and undergoing surgery on his foot.

Newton has one year left on his contract. The Panthers can cut him and only be penalized $2 million in dead money against the salary cap.

Carolina might decide to bring Newton back as its starter for a 10th straight season. Trading or releasing the veteran are realistic possibilities, as well.

“All options are on the table, including a trade,” Fowler said. “However, I’m told coach Matt Rhule wants to work with Cam. Early March, they’re gonna try to get him on the field. See if he can get medically cleared. And when he does—as they expect—if he looks good, they can take him into May and June offseason workouts with the team. I’m told they’re not gonna be moved by any sort of free agency deadline unless they’re wowed by a huge offer for him.”

Newton last won a game as a starter on Nov. 4, 2018 against the Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay went 7-9 in 2019 with a third-place finish in the NFC South. Carolina’s 5-11 record put the Panthers in last place.