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Free Agency Odds for QB Jameis Winston

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
3 minute read

Where will Jameis Winston end up when the 2020 season gets underway?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued one of the most dubious trends in the NFL in March. Tampa Bay opted not to sign former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston to a second contract, and the franchise has yet to re-sign a quarterback after the expiration of his rookie deal.

Former Buccaneers’ quarterbacks like Vinny Testaverde, Doug Williams, and Steve Young went on to find success with other teams though, so Winston is looking to follow in their footsteps.

Odds provided by FanDuel (IN, NJ & PA only)
Subject to Change - T&C's Apply, 21 + Only

Next Team Betting Odds for Jameis Winston at FanDuel

Jacksonville Jaguars +220
Miami Dolphins +370
New Orleans Saints +430
Denver Broncos +600
Pittsburgh Steelers +600
New England Patriots +650
Los Angeles Chargers +1000
Washington Redskins +1100
Las Vegas Raiders +1500
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2500

Jacksonville GM David Caldwell is ready to move forward with Gardner Minshew II as his starting quarterback, but the lack of a proven option behind Minshew will likely lead to the Jaguars signing a veteran. Joshua Dobbs is the only quarterback on the roster aside from Minshew, and Winston would give this team someone with plenty of starting experience. He has been in the Sunshine State since leading Florida State to the 2013 national championship, and the Jaguars have been inclined to sign in-state collegiate standouts in the past.

Miami is the second favorite to sign Winston according to the NFL free agency odds at FanDuel, but the Dolphins are an unlikely destination for the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. They are expected to take either Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 pick in the draft by most analysts, and they already have a veteran on the roster in Ryan Fitzpatrick. It’s rare to see a team sign two veteran quarterbacks, so don’t bet on the Dolphins to be the landing spot for Winston.

Sean Payton has been known to take chances, and he might roll the dice with Winston. There is no doubt that Winston has the talent to succeed in the NFL, but his issue has been his tendency to make mistakes. Payton is the best quarterback coach in the league, and he could be tempted to bring in a skilled quarterback that might flourish under his tutelage. Winston could also learn from one of the greats in Drew Brees, so this is a shrewd bet at over 4-1.

The Broncos believe they have their quarterback of the future in Drew Lock, but their depth at the position is shallow. Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien are Lock’s current backups, and neither of the young quarterbacks has done much to inspire confidence that they would be competent if Lock were injured. Winston is an experienced veteran that Denver could lean on to win some games, so this destination makes sense.

Pittsburgh is an intriguing option for Winston, but the Steelers already have a quarterback that has given them plenty of off-field headaches in Ben Roethlisberger. The front office won’t want to potentially put themselves through that experience again, so Winston is likely not in their plans. Another injury to Roethlisberger may change that thinking though, and the Steelers might decide Winston is worth the risk if Big Ben is injured since this franchise is in win now mode.

A move to New England would be popular with the media. It would essentially create a Tom Brady for Jameis Winston swap between the Buccaneers and the Patriots, and the comparison between the two quarterbacks and teams would provide media members with an artesian well of content. Bill Belichick loves taking on cast-off projects at discounted rates too, so we could see Winston shipping up to Boston.

The two teams with odds of 10-1 or more that make some sense for Winston are the Chargers and the Raiders. Tyrod Taylor is currently the Chargers’ starting quarterback, and there is no doubt that Winston is more talented than Taylor. He is a recognizable name for a team in search of a marquee star, and he could be the first choice for the team if the Chargers don’t take a quarterback in the first round or sign Cam Newton.

Derek Carr continues to have up and down seasons with the Raiders, so Winston could be brought in to provide another option under center. Jon Gruden loves taking on projects like Winston, so the two could be a nice fit.

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