NFL Rumors: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Want Tom Brady, Quarterback Among Options To Replace Jameis Winston

Tom Brady can officially sign elsewhere as a free agent on March 18. Several teams continue to be linked to the quarterback, though it’s uncertain how many will seriously pursue the 42-year-old.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appears to be one team that indeed does have a real interest in acquiring Brady. ESPN’s Dianna Russini said on “Get Up” Tuesday morning that Tampa Bay would “love” to have Brady.

According to Russini, the Bucs are willing to give Brady what he is looking for in a new team, such as input in both the roster and playcalling.

Tampa Bay might have the best group of playmakers among the possible destinations for Brady. Chris Godwin finished third in the 2019 season with 1,333 receiving yards. Mike Evans recorded 1,157 receiving yards, making his third Pro Bowl in four years.

Philip Rivers could also be an option for the Buccaneers in free agency.

FanDuel Sportsbook gives Tampa Bay 14/1 odds to sign Brady, putting the team sixth among the quarterback’s suitors. Rivers is given 3/1 odds to sign with the Bucs, who are considered to be his second-most likely destination.

Jameis Winston led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards as Tampa Bay’s quarterback. He was second with 33 touchdown passes and the Bucs finished with the league’s No.3 ranked offense.

Winston was also first, by a mile, with 30 interceptions, seven of which were returned for touchdowns. His penchant for turning the ball over has the Bucs unsure if they should bring the signal caller back for the 2020 NFL season. ‘

Tampa Bay can use the franchise tag on Winston, giving him a guaranteed contract worth close to $27 million for one year. Doing so would give the Bucs and Winston until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year contract, though Tampa Bay isn’t expected to sign the quarterback to a long-term deal.

Winston has played 72 games under center since the Bucs selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s never reached the playoffs, throwing 121 touchdown passes and committing a league-high 111 turnovers.

The Bucs have until Monday at 11:59 a.m. EDT to use the franchise tag on Winston.