12up Logo

3 Teams Dumb Enough to Sign Jameis Winston if He Leaves the Bucs

By Brady Williams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston looks as surprised as many fans will be when he gets a contract.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston looks as surprised as many fans will be when he gets a contract. / Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Jameis Winston is one of the most entertaining quarterbacks in the National Football League, particularly when he's on the opposing team. One minute he'll be piecing together a decent drive, and the next, he'll launch a head-scratching interception. After throwing for 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns, someone is going to pick him up if he explores free agency. The 30 interceptions are a major red flag, but even so a quarterback-needy team should prove willing to take the risk.

3. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton's future with the Carolina Panthers in uncertain.
Cam Newton's future with the Carolina Panthers in uncertain. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Anyone who picks up Winston and tries to make something of him is essentially going to be taking a risk for the sake of it. After parting ways with Ron Rivera, Carolina's leadership is clearly looking for a shakeup. If Cam Newton doesn't end up returning to the team, perhaps Matt Rhule will look to Winston as a suitable replacement. It's a major risk, but Winston would be surrounded by talented skill players which could help him reach his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

Head Coach Anthony Lynn needs a quarterback.
Head Coach Anthony Lynn needs a quarterback. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Plenty of mock drafts are pegging the Chargers to pick a quarterback in the first round. Whether or not they take Justin Herbert, or anyone else, it's never a bad thing to have an experienced QB around to compete with the rookie. At the very least they'll need to have a decent second option. With Philip Rivers set for free agency, Winston could be a solid pickup, though a risky one at that.

1. Chicago Bears

Matt Nagy's tenure has been a masterclass in QB trouble. Adding Jameis Winston would be a crowning achievement.
Matt Nagy's tenure has been a masterclass in QB trouble. Adding Jameis Winston would be a crowning achievement. / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears passed on Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, opting instead for Mitch Trubisky in what has proven to be a downright disastrous decision. Matt Nagy is coaching for his life right now, and Trubisky isn't cutting it, which has resulted in the Bears being linked to a variety of different quarterbacks. Winston's ability to throw the deep ball and rack up touchdowns could do wonders for Chicago's offense, but they'll need to hope his offseason LASIK surgery will help limit the interceptions.