Arians & Ownership Have Had The Jameis Talk
February 11th, 2020
Bill Currie Ford GM will serve you personally and give you a JoeBucsFan/Ira Kaufman discount. Click through to visit BillCurrieFord.com
BY IRA KAUFMAN
Jameis Winston’s fate was always going to be in the hands, heart and mind of Bruce Arians, and that dynamic hasn’t changed a bit.
What HAS changed is the fact that discussions between Arians and Buccaneer ownership on this rather sensitive topic have already commenced — if not concluded. Your favorite source for Buc information has learned that the Winston question has indeed been addressed in person by the key parties.
Don’t expect any smoke signals to arise from One Buc Place before a course of action is underway, but let there be no doubt that the Glazers and their head coach have met face-to-face, with Winston’s future at the top of the agenda.
And while it’s unclear exactly what decision has been reached, it’s crystal clear that Arians offered the Glazers a full and honest assessment of Winston’s future as a starting NFL quarterback.
Why would the man lie?
At the age of 67, Tampa Bay’s outspoken head coach isn’t beholden to anyone, with the exception of Christine Arians. He harbors a great deal of personal affection for Winston, but Arians has a legacy to protect and a short time in which to resurrect his reputation as one of the league’s elite coaches.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, Winston’s pewter place under center appeared secure. The Bucs were riding a 4-game winning streak that forged a possibility of a 9-7 finish.
Even Winston’s skeptics were muzzled. It was a mere question of how Winston would be retained.
Instead, No. 3 was picked off six times during narrow home losses to Houston and Atlanta that left Arians understandably shaken. After the season finale, Arians declined to offer up any alibis for the most recent flurry of giveaways.
In essence, this is unchartered territory for Arians as a head coach.
Urgency
A few months after Arians arrived in the desert, the Cardinals traded for Carson Palmer. Arians had his man and his man knew Arians had his back.
“I’m here to introduce our starting quarterback and put it to bed,” Arians said, “and I’m really happy about it We are not in that rebuilding stage. This is too good of a football team for a youth movement. We’re in it to win and win now.”
If Arians felt that way about the 5-11 team he inherited in 2013, imagine what he thinks about the current Bucs. Arians and his hand-picked quarterback had a nice 5-year run in Arizona as Palmer went 38-21-1 in between some major injuries.
They came in together and they went together, announcing their retirements from football within a day of one another at the end of the 2017 season.
Arians wasn’t interested in starting anew at the game’s most important position, so he headed for the broadcast booth. The Cardinals went on to draft Josh Rosen at No. 10 overall and a 3-13 debacle ensued.
Judgment day nears
If Arians has lost confidence in Winston, it’s hard to imagine ownership overruling him. The Glazers don’t relish the thought of starting over.
No Investiture
Admitting the Bucs made a mistake with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft would be crushing, but Arians wields the power in this town and he wasn’t around these parts in 2015.
Arians wanted Vernon Hargreaves jettisoned, so it happened. He wanted Jason Licht retained as GM … done. He wanted Byron Leftwich to call the plays.
Now Arians must call the tune. It’s a momentous decision, one of the biggest of his coaching career.
By this point, Arians has watched enough cut-up tapes of Winston’s 30 interceptions to fill a few cannisters at NFL Films. Tape don’t lie.
Neither will Winston’s head coach.
Ira loves telling people about the nationwide lifetime warranty on USED and NEW vehicles at Bill Currie Ford, Tampa’s first family of Ford. Ask for his friend, GM Sean Sullivan. He’ll take care of you personally and give you a JoeBucFan/Ira discount.
February 11th, 2020 at 12:40 pm
I think they will keep Jameis if they can’t find anything better, Jameis might test the market and realize his best bet is to stay in Tampa. So Winston stays by default. not the best endorsement for your “franchise” QB, but it is what it is.
February 11th, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Well said Ira.
The talk consisted of BA saying to ownership, “we gotta go elsewhere”. Just cant win with those turnovers, and I’m running outta time.”
Brady. Carr. Bridgewater.
February 11th, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Why would moving on from Jameis be “crushing?” The majority of the fanbase either wants him gone or doesnt care either way. Where is this “crushing” narrative coming from?
Please stop changing your screen name. THanks. –Joe
February 11th, 2020 at 12:49 pm
What’s better than 30 interceptions?
Just about everything.
February 11th, 2020 at 12:55 pm
I like and respect Ira, however, I’m going to strongly disagree with him here.
Even though Arians will have a HUGE say in the Winston decisions, the real discussion and talks will start between the Glazers and Licht. That’s when the decision will be made.
They will look at all of their free agent and draft options and scenarios, and then discuss the financial aspects, such as who they would have to not re-sign or let walk to sign Winston, and is it worth it.
In his post game presser after the last game against Atlanta, and in his Monday presser the next day, Arians sounded like he was ready to cut Winston then. He’s now had some time to settle down and watch film so he may or may not feel different now.
No matter what Arians would have to say though, Licht will always try to keep Winston hrre, hoping that some coach will be able to flip a magic switch and make Winston into a true franchise QB, thus proving that he did not totally squander the #1 pick in the draft on him.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:01 pm
but Arians has a legacy to protect and a short time in which to resurrect his reputation as one of the league’s elite coaches.
dude you are killing me lol so delusional…. Elite and Arians in the same sentence…. wow…. but what should we expect from a salesman who single handedly ruined the credibility of the hall of fame with that ridiculously cherry picked sales pitch on dungy the clown and his career post season losing record. hall of fame used to be best of the best not mediocre feel good stories that choked when it mattered most….
arians has a losing post season record and ZERO titles as a head coach he never was elite and never will be elite. glazers will listen to another washed up has been and set this franchise back decades again…
keep writing the comedy it’s pretty funny
February 11th, 2020 at 1:12 pm
we just saw how he performed under pressure with his contract….another 1year deal would be the same….JW would press, throw INTs and the apologist will list more excuses….lol….
GO BUCS!!!!!
February 11th, 2020 at 1:15 pm
I know I keep bringing this up but season ticket renewals are due March 13th. The Bucs have to announce what they are doing with Jameis one way or another by then. Just to share with anyone who is curious, I’m in section 114 which is lower bowl, Bucs side, three sections over from where the Bucs come out of the tunnel. With sales tax and TSA surcharge, two tickets are $2439 and I have four tickets. It’s much more expensive as you get closer to the 50 yard line, cheaper in the end zones and upper deck. You can’t expect people to pony up that kind of money without knowing who the QB is going to be. The Glazers need to do the right thing and let everyone know what their decision is. Enough already
February 11th, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Dewey, you nailed it. It’s a matter of ALTERNATIVES, and right now the Bucs’ cup isn’t overflowing.
I still can’t figure out why Jameis’ INTs virtually doubled in 2019. And the thing that’s really puzzling is why he did so poorly in the home games. Bucs went 2-6 on home games (including the London debacle), but 5-3 on the road. Bucs had 31 of our 41 giveaways during our home games … that’s bizarre. Jameis threw 24 of his 30 INTs during those same home games … again bizarre.
Even in the 2 games that we won at home, Jameis played poorly and the final scores were a LOT closer than they should have been. So what’s causing him to play so poorly at home? We’ve got the same defense, the same running game, the same receivers, the same kicker. He’s even got the same eye-sight. Nah, something’s going on, and I’ll bet that BA has figured out what it is.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:19 pm
Tampa Town:
People dont go to the games now, why would resigning Jameis make them want to go next year?
February 11th, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Agree the “crushing” narrative is a bit much. Disappointing? Yes. But while it would prove that the last 5 years have been a waste, as long as the team can find the right replacement and show improvement (aka make the playoffs and/or SB), the damage will be minimized. Tenn screwed up as well, but they were wise enough to have an in-house alternative ready to go at least.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:25 pm
“A full and honest assessment” would mean bye bye America’s Grop……errrr, Quarterback.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:28 pm
813,
Couldn’t agree more. It would be another sh!t show. This is why I want to test the market and not overpay, even with a one year transition tag.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:29 pm
If it is a mere matter of alternatives, then the decision is made.
There are more starter quality FA’s in this years class than I can remember. On top of that there are 3 QBs that can start day one in the draft with another 4 that could start in the right situation.
I have always said and will stay with it all comes down to $$$
The Glazer’s want to win and they want to make $$$
So who is most likely to win games and make them the most $$$.
If you can figure out that riddle you are likely ahead of everyone at One Buc, because I believe they are still crunching the numbers.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Brian – have to strongly disagree with your opinion that Licht and the Gkazers hold the power. Licht will not be picking the next HC. Nor will he pick anything unless BA wants it.
BA gets who and what he wants. If not he walks, Licht gets fired and the Glazers will earn worst ownership award in a knockout.
In BA I Trust!
February 11th, 2020 at 1:32 pm
FLBoy,
Spot on. Agree with you.
The only thing worst than having wasted the last five years would be to double down on the “laughingstock” buffoonery. Larry, Curly, Moe, Joe and Jameis approve this message.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:34 pm
OK, Ira….I trust you but you didn’t let us know how you knew the talks have commenced…..like
A reliable inside source told me.
It’s an educated guess.
Enough time has passed so it should have happened.
I had a pair of binoculars and saw Arians making the “eating W’s sign” to the Glazers
I tend to agree with BrianBucs……I think Licht was definitely involved….The Glazers appear to be chain of command types……
February 11th, 2020 at 1:36 pm
If you dont believe he’s the guy then you move on no matter the cost. If the realization has been made that he isn’t good enough to garner a max contract after being the #1 overall pick and 5 years of playing experience, then there is no point in prolonging the inevitable.
He won’t be a good bridge QB and he doesnt play well with a capable backup behind him. Either trade for or sign a guy that gives you a chance to get into the tournament at the end of the season and see how far the run can go. Winston doesn’t give you a chance in my opinion, hevtakes precious chances away from everyone in the organization. Everybody and their dog can see it. The 5000 yards are almost completely cancelled out by the dumb stuff in my evaluation of this situation. He led the league in turnovers in his contract year. What else is there really to say?
February 11th, 2020 at 1:37 pm
@TampaTown – While the Bucs will have to announce what they’re doing with JW re: the franchise tag by March 10th, there’s nothing that precludes them from trading him before/during the draft once he signs it. So while initially it may appear he’s the Bucs QB if they offer the tag, don’t think it’s a guarantee until after the draft. If you’re leaning either way, it might be wise to wait until after April 23rd to lay down that cash.
Now, to be fair, signing it is strictly JW’s decision. So if he feels he could make more than $27M as a FA on the market that’ll contain a few quality QB’s, maybe he balks and forces the team to rescind it. Just pointing out that nothing’s a done deal until after the draft pretty much.
February 11th, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Well said @gotbucs
February 11th, 2020 at 1:42 pm
@FlBoy84…
Word of advice…before correcting others, make sure you have your facts straight, first.
March 10th is NOT a deadline for the Bucs to use the franchise tag on Winston, it is actually the day that all clubs are first allowed to place “tags” on players. The window opens on the 10th. The DEADLINE…is March 18th.
You comment over at that other Bucs site too, don’t you…
February 11th, 2020 at 1:48 pm
It could either way… 50/50… Great article Ira…
February 11th, 2020 at 1:55 pm
I’m almost worn out from the Jay-Miss discussion. We’ll know in March and Tamara and/or Cody from the Bucs will know as to whether or not I’m buying a ticket package when they call asking.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:04 pm
D-Rome
Bucs have been embarrassing the sport of football long before jameis
February 11th, 2020 at 2:05 pm
The best move is a 3 year contract. 3 year 85 million, 45 guaranteed. If you franchise him and he plays well (and I expect he will) it’s going to cost 34+ a year to sign him next year. Moving on without giving him a 2nd year in the system is a bad idea. It would be so Bucs to give up on a Qb too early and watch him flourish elsewhere.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:07 pm
I’m with you on that, DF…. I noticed the same thing on Winston during that season,; he played a lot better while away than at home. For some reason he seemed distracted or not fully focused on the field of play…. I’m really hoping Arians can figure this out because I believe the best course of action is to come back this year with JW and a good back up…we seem to be heading to winnings ways. We should keep this band together for one more year. Of course, just upgrade at FB and safety…..let’s not complicate this more than it already is….🤔
February 11th, 2020 at 2:08 pm
I meant RB, instead of FB
February 11th, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Nevermind @FlBoy84. My bad.
Eggs were scrambled in my brain for whatever reason with franchise/tag window opening Feb. 25th, not what I said above. You were correct sir with March 10th deadline at 4pm on all tagged players.
Which would be prior to the season ticket deadline of March 13th.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:10 pm
I think if the Bucs announce they are signing or franchising Jameis, they’re keeping him, even though they could technically trade him. March 13th is only the deadline for season ticket payments unless you are on a payment plan. The dollar amount includes two full price preseason tickets as well, for a total of 10 games 🙄 If you don’t pay by that date, your seats become available to everyone. Great way to treat paying customers, I know.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:12 pm
“Admitting the Bucs made a mistake with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft would be crushing”
I don’t understand how it would be “crushing”. What’s crushing is 30 INTs and 7 pick sixes.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Of course..as season tix holders, just because a club tags a guy by March 10th, means very little in guaranteeing that the tagged player will even play for that team that year, much less a guaranteed starter at that position, even QB.
Teams are constantly tagging and trading guys now, like Frank Clark last year, and Dee Ford year prior. If one is making season tix decisions based on a tagged QB.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Holy crap this tmaxcon guy is pissed off! How about we calm down a bit before dissing the sage! Completely uncalled for.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:23 pm
I think Ira just said “Get your popcorn ready!”
February 11th, 2020 at 2:29 pm
If he is franchised he is staying. They realize it will be very hard to trade him with the 22 million dollar price tag. I’m ready. Please turn off the lights and start the movie.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Yawn
Complete non-news. I’m sure they’ve talked–a lot.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:33 pm
Big fan of this site… Licht had 2 choices in Chicago for the #1 … both were disappointing but he did choose the best of the 2… time to move on
February 11th, 2020 at 2:35 pm
February 11th, 2020 at 2:14 pm
Holy crap this tmaxcon guy is pissed off! How about we calm down a bit before dissing the sage! Completely uncalled for.
dissing the sage Lol you have low standards for your heroes pal! dude has the credibility of a 1980’s used car salesmen who does not understand the difference between a feel good story and true greatness.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
did you added to your assessment Ira the following:
Terrible defense the first half of the season
No running game
Playing from behind at least 7 picks in garbage time.
He threw for more than 5K yards cut the ints and we are good.
bringing another QB will get us to the stone age more losing
We let Steve & Doug walk away
Franchise tag and go from there.
Peyton Manning and Jameis had same stats at the 5yr mark pull it up.
February 11th, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Agree with many that there’s no news here… but I would rephrase that one sentence to be “Finally admitting to the crushing absence of a reliable franchise QB when Bucs last picked first overall will be a breath of fresh air marking a new beginning.”
February 11th, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Drafting a QB in 2015 was the no-win scenario unfortunately. The next year 2016 would have Goff, Wentz, and Prescott. Just bad luck in timing.
But that doesn’t mean you keep paying for the same dead albatross.
February 11th, 2020 at 3:13 pm
Let the ATM throw picks somewhere else. I’d rather have Bridgewater, Brady, Rivers or a number of serviceable veterans than watch the interception machine in action. I’ve seen enough of the maddening picks, haven’t you? Get a decent veteran qb in here, draft your quarterback of the future and the Wisconsin running back, and lets go win some games. Go Bucs!
February 11th, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Don’t kid yourself Jason Licht is NOT a major player in any decisions at One Buc Place. Licht is there to fetch what ever it is BA decides he wants. Winston decision is between BA and the Glazers.
February 11th, 2020 at 3:23 pm
At this point, JayMiss isn’t the answer. Brady’s not coming here and Rivers is an extremely short term solution at best.
Either Carr or Dalton seem like more intermediate solutions. Carr would require acquisition via trade and Dalton may or may not be released shortly.
Carr is a three time Pro Bowl selection and more deserving of the America’s QB, Pro Bowler tag line than JayMiss ever will be.
Dalton took some questionable Bengal teams to the playoffs. Why not a young Buc squad with two Pro Bowl receivers and a young defense on the rise?
Bottom line, JayMiss has to go and Bucs need to admit that drafting him in 2015 was a huge mistake.
Peace, out.
February 11th, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Fernando Diaz – any comparison of JayMiss to Peyton Manning is hilarious.
JayMiss is NO Peyton Manning.
Peace, out.
February 11th, 2020 at 3:46 pm
“Admitting the Bucs made a mistake with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft would be crushing” would be crushing? HOW???? Neither qb was good enough to win with! The 3,4and 6 picks were so underwhelming they were traded. No studs in the top 10. Admitting mistakes is the thing to do.
February 11th, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Come on Glazers And Arians..Let us know. You gorget..We Buc fans. And Bucs fans can hold their breathes a long long time! We been trampled, slam dunked, and skunked. A resilient bunch are we.
February 11th, 2020 at 4:20 pm
I agree. I’m on record as saying that I’d like to see the Bucs move on from Jay-Miss but drafting him #1 overall was the correct decision. I can’t knock Backstabbin’ Jason Licht for that.
February 11th, 2020 at 4:27 pm
@Ira, I’ve become a big fan of your weekly podcast….it’s a source of amusement and insight throughout the year. But I sometimes forget what a great sports writer you are. Great article that really captures the zeitgeist of this Bucs moment.
February 11th, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Jameis gets 30+ million
February 11th, 2020 at 5:00 pm
My favorite source: Kay Adams or Rachel Watson. 😁
February 11th, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Remember what happened with Steve young that’s probably can happen with Winston go to another team and win a super bowl
February 11th, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Thanks Ira I appreciate the insight. please ignore the trolls around here that have nothing better to do but berate this team and complain about Obama and millennials
February 11th, 2020 at 5:19 pm
I for one can’t wait for this back and forth to be over. Sign him or don’t
February 11th, 2020 at 5:55 pm
Tampabuscsbro Says:
“Thanks Ira I appreciate the insight. please ignore the trolls around here that have nothing better to do but berate this team and complain about Obama and millennials”
—
I must have missed all of the posts about Obama & millennials. I am not sure where that came from, lol.
I do, however, echo your sentiment towards Ira. Thank you.
February 11th, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Bucs since 76 Says:
“Big fan of this site… Licht had 2 choices in Chicago for the #1 … both were disappointing but he did choose the best of the 2… ”
.
.
I beg to differ. Choice 3 was to trade the pick and load up on the trenches. Oh, what might have been…
Peace!
February 11th, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Jameis is going to be extended
February 11th, 2020 at 7:37 pm
GREAT article Ira.
February 11th, 2020 at 7:40 pm
Please stop changing your screen name. THanks. –Joe
………….
I would like my original screen name back if possible. For the 10th time I have asked at least
February 11th, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Quarterback call is a tough one.
Keep a 5000 yard qb with a penchant for pick sixes and try to find a way to cut down the mistakes..Or try to find a replacement through a trade.and teach him a new system.
Drafting a rookie right now and expecting him to win isn’t fair or feasible.
Franchise Jameis this year !
February 11th, 2020 at 8:30 pm
Give Tampa a decent running game, a smart and efficient quarterback, more linemen and don’t throw money at Jameis. Results will be more than the 5-6 wins they get with Jameis.
February 11th, 2020 at 9:26 pm
The miracle of TV allows views to watch the QB until he throws the ball and then the camera switches to the ball being caught, dropped, or intercepted. This gives some the misguided idea they know better than the Pro NFL QB throwing the football. What the armchair QB does NOT see is how the defenders are moving and how close they actually are to the receiver and how the NFL QB must throw the ball BEFORE the WR is open or makes his cut.
February 11th, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Transition tag….book it
February 11th, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Bruce Arians doesn’t have the time to develop a rookie. At least, not without a bridge.
He also doesn’t have time to wait another year for a veteran QB to ‘get’ his offense, which is what usually happens.
So…unless Arians surprises everyone and decides Ryan Griffin is the man going forward (wouldn’t that be a kicker?), he’ll at least want to franchise Jameis to use as a bridge for a rookie or young QB.
He won’t go after Brady, who is more than likely going to re-sign with the Patriots after testing the market.
He won’t go with Rivers, who is healthy but diminished in his play (and might take a year to acclimate), or has only two years left in him.
He won’t go with Bridgewater, who is a former starter who failed and a half-year-wonder since.
In fact, unless he can trade for Dak, Carr or Stafford (Stafford is the type he likes), he won’t change QBs this off season.
During the 2020 season? Maybe…if they draft someone after franchising Winston.
But, I’m sticking to my guns…I think within a week or two or three, we will hear about a deal with Winston, probably 3 years…or he will get tagged.
February 11th, 2020 at 9:50 pm
@footballjunkie – Thanks for correcting yourself. While I definitely make mistakes like everyone else, I try to do my research to avoid sticking my foot in my mouth as much as possible. Not always successful though lol And yes, I do comment on a few other Bucs sites as well on occasion.
@NPRSageboy – Was on the Dalton train initially just based on name recognition and highlights, but once I had a chance to look deeper into his numbers I’ve cooled a bit to him being a Buc. As much as I’m ready to move on from JW, if Dalton was the only QB available I’d be hesitant.
February 12th, 2020 at 12:12 am
Jason Licht did not draft Jameis Winston. Lovie Smith did.
Licht didn’t even want Jameis at first. Lovie wanted him so bad that Licht had to agree because Lovie had the Glazer’s ear at the time.
Just as he would not pick a QB in this draft…Bruce Arians would.
If anyone disagrees, consider this: if they each want a different guy, who would get his way? Bruce Arians.
Now, if Bruce were a Defensive coach, the Glazers might let Licht decide, but Bruce is the QB Whisperer….he’d get what he wants.
February 12th, 2020 at 12:29 am
“Keep Jameis if they can’t find anything better” –
Is that it, Bucs fans? That’s all you got?
Pretty sad
February 12th, 2020 at 9:42 am
Alanbucsfan,
What is it about that statement that you disagree with? Because the only other alternative is to get rid of Winston and replace him with someone worse (or the same).
February 12th, 2020 at 12:33 pm
BA is hard to figure out but I am thinking he would be very interested if one of the FA’s Brady, Brees or Rivers is interested. I would love it if Brady lands here but my gut is telling me that will never happen. Regardless if we stay with Jameis I am completely with you Ira that we absolutely need a plan B better than Gabbert. That should have never happened and actually makes me a little nervous about BA’s scouting of QB’s. What did he see in Blaine Gabbert that nobody else has seen??????? I know watching enough putrid Jaguar games I saw enough. Either way in BA i trust GO BUCS!!!
February 12th, 2020 at 10:18 pm
He’s not going anywhere. I mean when Winston entered the league, the QB he was literally compared to was one of Arians’ favorites, Roethlisberger, and for the first time in his pro career, he actually looked like him last year. No other QB on the market can play in that offense. He could win with them as long as that defense didn’t take a step back as evidenced by him getting winning records out of Drew Stanton for large chunks of his first two years when Palmer got hurt, but why would he do that?
February 12th, 2020 at 10:33 pm
It sounds like Ira has taken a turn for worse late in life and is now a Jameis Basher. Booo!! Lazy article. The only opinions that matter are mine.
February 17th, 2020 at 11:20 am
Stafford, Carr or Dalton gives us what we need. Efficient and smart, that’s all we need. Remember Brad Johnson?