Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston had a career year in 2019 – in the best and worst of the ways. While the former No. 1 overall pick led the league with 5,109 passing yards and threw 33 touchdowns, his career high, he also led the NFL with 30 interceptions. It turns out, however, that he was in a lot of pain, which could affect how the Buccaneers reassess his season.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Winston recently underwent surgery to cut a torn meniscus – a problem he went through last season. It’s not the only injury Winston faced in 2019, as he also broke his thumb on the throwing hand late in the season. This offseason, Winston was seen sporting hard plaster to repair the injured thumb, and it should be mentioned that he launched 10 interceptions after having undergone the break. In addition, Winston underwent LASIK surgery to fix his eyesight.
Although his decision-making is clearly an issue, it shows Winston’s tenacity that he was able to end the season with an injured thumb in his hand, a gluteal knee and seemingly poor vision. His problems are worth noting because the Buccaneers have to make a big decision regarding Winston this offseason. He is about to become a free agent and the recording of the first 30-30 season (in TD and interceptions) in NFL history does not exactly warrant a lucrative long-term extension.
Earlier this week at the NFL, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Tampa Bay knew what they would do at the quarterback in the coming months, but Winston was unaware of their plan. Arians say team is doing its due diligence on “Door n ° 2” to make sure they enter 2020 with the quarterback, they are 100% confident below the center.