Report: Buccaneers plan to keep Winston as starter in 2019

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers intend to retain Jameis Winston as the team's starting quarterback for the 2019 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Winston will enter the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, which is worth $20 million. He could be cut without affecting the Buccaneers' salary cap but the team believes the former No. 1 overall pick is still its best option at quarterback.

The 24-year-old was suspended for the first three games of the 2018 season and was the backup to veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for a Week 4 blowout loss to the Chicago Bears.

Winston started the next three games before being replaced by Fitzpatrick as Tampa Bay's starter. He reclaimed his job three weeks later.

The Buccaneers have never extended a second contract to any quarterback they've drafted.

Winston has battled inconsistencies in his fourth campaign, completing 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,647 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.

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