Article 43EMX Bucs' Winston won't speculate on future: 'I'm committed to this team'

Bucs' Winston won't speculate on future: 'I'm committed to this team'

by
Esten McLaren
from on (#43EMX)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston has been named the starter for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers after relieving Ryan Fitzpatrick for the second time this year in Week 11.

The 24-year-old heads into the stretch run of the 2018 season with the fifth-year option of his rookie contract - worth $20.9 million for 2019 - guaranteed only in the event of injury. If healthy at the end of this season, he could be cut with zero effect on the Buccaneers' salary cap next year.

With his option looming, Winston says he's not thinking about what his future may hold.

"I just know that I'm committed to this team, and committed to doing my best to provide an opportunity for me later," Winston said, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Winston returns under center after last starting in Week 8, a 37-34 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Sunday will be Winston's fourth start of the season. He missed the first three games due to suspension and Fitzpatrick's performance over that time allowed him to retain the No. 1 job after his return. The soon-to-be 36-year-old Fitzpatrick had thrown for 1,230 yards over that span.

"I think we can go back to how this season started - 'FitzMagic' - that was all the talk. He was playing excellent," Winston said. "I can't speak for coach Koetter. I agree with him. We want to win. And any way our individual selves can add to that, we're going to try our best to do that."

Fitzpatrick, who's on the seventh team of his NFL career, will be a free agent at season's end. Ryan Griffin, the 29-year-old who has yet to attempt an NFL pass, is the third quarterback on the roster.

Winston, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 draft, can begin to change the narrative against a 49ers team ranked 15th in passing yards allowed per game and tied for 24th with 21 passing touchdowns surrendered.

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