Free Agency Factors In Winston Visit
March 3rd, 2015
NFL Draft prospects can have private all-day visits with teams immediately after the NFL Scouting Combine. But it’s rare to have a prospect come to a team in early March, like Jameis Winston is today.
The reason could be as simple as Team Glazer having free time to get it done this week, but Joe suspects the reasons run deeper.
First, Joe thinks Winston coming in first and so quickly is the clearest sign to date that the Bucs are extraordinarily high on him as a prospect.
The Bucs don’t want their internal decision-making and investigating to lag. On the business front, the sooner Tampa Bay decides on a first-round pick, the sooner it can be prepared for the marketing rush that will follow the selection. A quick decision on Winston the person, aka if Team Glazer writes him off or blesses him this week, could be a factor for the Bucs in free agency.
The free agency dinner bell rings in seven days, and at last check, Jason Licht publicly was talking about the possibility of adding a veteran QB on the roster.
If the Bucs have clarity on Winston, then that could affect the veteran QB choice. The best fit for Winston might not be the ideal mesh with Marcus Mariota.
Joe’s all for adding a veteran QB to mentor and maybe keep the seat warm for a rookie. That also would make Mike Glennon tradeable.
Joe is certain Winston’s visit today has football layers to it. It’s not just about a warm and formal introduction.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:08 pm
Joe, I actually agreed with your more tempered analysis in the previous post.
I think Lovie & Licht like Jameis and are leaning that way. There’s still a lot more work to be done on all prospects, and given Jameis’ history and the high profile of being the #1 overall pick they will be looking into him up until April 29.
If they can’t get the Glazers to sign off now then there’s no point in wasting any more time.
I want Jameis on the Bucs just as much as anybody and I know that he’s the right pick, but I really don’t think this is anything more than Licht making sure he doesn’t waste precious time moving forward if he can’t get the Glazers sign off now
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Spot on Joe.
And, in addition to a veteran back up, there may be a difference in the kind of other offensive players they might go after in free agency. Fit the free agency targets to Winston’s strengths.
Very strong sign that Jameis is the guy.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Time never lies Joe, I just can’t see us drafting Winston.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Whatever happens this off season the O-line and D-line can’t look as bad as last season or it’s over for Lovie. IMO
Anybody remember the Ravens game last season?
Good golly miss Molly. On both sides of the ball.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:10 pm
Oh, but Joes……The Bucs and Jameis really gave you some damn good ammunition for today’s visit with the Big Dog!
I expect lots of gloating today from both of you. Feel free to blow this out of proportion on air as well
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Joe is certain Winston’s visit today has football layers to it. It’s not just about a warm and formal introduction.
—————————
Are you sure? There are people convinced he’s only in Tampa to play a game of chess before catching his next flight out of town.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:15 pm
“He manned up,” Dilfer said. “The next day, his eyes were bleeding he was so tired. But he was killing it. He didn’t have to say anything, but his actions told me, ‘Let me show you I’m not just a gifted athlete. I’m a surgeon.’
“I think the kid’s the real deal. I didn’t know ratings going into this. I could care less about the perception. To me, they were all high school quarterbacks. I don’t care how famous they are. He’s earned my respect. If I’m a college coach, I want that guy.”
Winston gets it at age 17.
“He’s got this infectious personality,” Dilfer said. “A lot of people use the term leadership, but I like guys who are comfortable in their own skin. That’s Jameis. He came in a little unprepared, and he admitted it. But he’s got a real presence to him. I’ve been real proud of him.”
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:18 pm
If there is a wrong decision to be made the Glaziers always make it.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
March 3rd, 2015 at 1:53 pm
Just step back from this a bit……think…..could it be that they want to meet with both Winston & Mariota as early as possible so that when we are in the FA period, it might influence whether or not we bring in a backup FA vet…..or perhaps stay with Glennon?
Mariota will be in on 3/12….the start of FA.
Its possible that isn’t a factor…but to jump to conclusions about his visit either way is rediculous.
Now…..TBBF doesn’t usually boast…but you heard this from me earlier….you have also heard me about the massive (history-making) PR campaign if Winston is the pick.
Caution: This is not necessarily a sign that they are picking Winston….having the early look is simply the prudent thing to do. Making a decision as soon as possible is also wise. The Bucs are able to sign their pick early.
Now on the Mariota side…..if he is likely to be the pick….the Bucs could wait for all trade offers to be delivered….and a sizeable PR campaign would not be necessary…so that decision could come on or near draft day.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:27 pm
If the order of who gets seen first matters then, didn’t they speak to Leonard Williams last week? If they saw MM first would you draw the same conclusion?
There’s is still plenty of time to do all the research, blow all of the smoke-screens and create all the none-news as they see fit.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:30 pm
I’m in the Winston camp but I just read that MM’s pro day is in two weeks whereas JW’s is in a month. It could be that the Buc’s are giving MM time to prepare…
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:30 pm
Bringing a vet to mentor Winston via FA might be a good idea…then again the Bucs might be finding out just how wicked smaaart Winston is knowledge-wise too…. like Joe basically stated.
In that case he’s going to blow them away on the chalk board. So no need to spend like crazy on another bum like McClown.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:31 pm
Just to put it in perspective it’s the Glazers team and money so they do what they want, saying mariotta is the pick is an opinion they clearly don’t care, all that matters is they like Winston. Everyone they know is saying Winston is the better talent and it simply comes down to if they can trust his character so they are starting the process now why wait if he’s clearly the best option
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:35 pm
What I’m trying to say is I think it’s going to be Glennon vs Winston in camp.
With a sprinkle of Kafka or some other bum.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Or…. It could mean the total opposite lol, like there getting him out of the way so that they can focus on the prospects they really want to interveiw, haha nice try to spin it that way JOE. You could spin this visit in any direction, maybe the Glazers wanted to talk to him before he gets arrested again.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:38 pm
87
Dilfer pounded his chest hard for Mark Sancheese too!
https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=8457
Love the part about bringing a us a couple of Super Bowls! LOL!
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:38 pm
Winston has never been arrested.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:43 pm
I dont know…I feel like as much as this is a good sign for the Winstonites, It could also be seen as a good sign more Camp Mariota.
The free agency thing makes alot of sense. We most likely may go after different OL depending on the QB which would dictate what type of offense we will install. Kind of makes sense that they get their thumbs up or down with Winston done now. If he’s a no or the glazers are not convinced, its very simple….Mariota is the pick and now we can figure out the other pieces.
There would be no reason to bring in Mariota this early as there are very few questions about him.
Like it or not…this could be the nail in the coffin for Winston instead of the champagne popping you all think will be happening in 3 days.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:49 pm
This actually says, we needed more time to personally evaluate Winston. We have questions that need to be answered not only by Mr Winston, but within our own walls. If you’re not bringing Mariota in for a 3 day body cavity inspection, that says we have no need to ask those questions of him or ourselves. This is pretty much it for Winston, if he can convince the Bucs; ie: the Glazers, that’s he’s worthy of being the face of the franchise then I’ll assume it’s a done deal, if he leaves that building and there are still doubts in anyone’s minds, it will be Mariota who gets picked first.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:51 pm
bucs4lyfe Says:
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:31 pm
Just to put it in perspective it’s the Glazers team and money so they do what they want, saying mariotta is the pick is an opinion they clearly don’t care, all that matters is they like Winston. Everyone they know is saying Winston is the better talent and it simply comes down to if they can trust his character so they are starting the process now why wait if he’s clearly the best option
I agree the Glazers want to see if they can support Winston….if they can’t, the process for him ends now…..the timing of this could work both ways……they want to get it over with…..one way or another…
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:52 pm
“If you’re not bringing Mariota in for a 3 day body cavity inspection, that says we have no need to ask those questions of him or ourselves.”
flmike..Mariota is scheduled to come to Tampa in April…so says ESPN ticker.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:54 pm
TBBF…Joe did put out an article a few weeks back that said the Glazers are comfortable with picking him though correct?
So this might just be a formality.
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Just for fun (since none of us know) I imagine Lovie prefers Williams as the pick, Licht prefers trying to trade down and add more picks, and the Glazers prefer doing more marketing research to weigh risk vs reward to help determine which QB will be more lucrative for the franchise merch and tix sales as the “face of the franchise”
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Dammit Joe (In my best Dr. MCcoy voice) Draft Winston, Sign Suh….it’s just that simple, oppossing QB’s wouldnot take the field unless they had five O-linemen, 2 TE (blocking) and a Fullback (blocking) when facing MCcoy and Suh.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:03 pm
87ForJameisNOMariota Says:
March 3rd, 2015 at 3:54 pm
TBBF…Joe did put out an article a few weeks back that said the Glazers are comfortable with picking him though correct?
So this might just be a formality.
Yes….Joe put out an opinion from Charlie Campbell that the “Glazers were on board”….but it was never verified by any other reporter or source and Campbell provided no sources etc……so, I know you blindly will believe it….but I think it was way too early for the Glazers to make any comment like that….
They probablly said “if” he goes through our process and comes out OK….we are good with him…….the “if” would make his opinion far more credible.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:11 pm
right now winston is keepin it real and the glazers are rolling their eyes and checking their watch
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:21 pm
The smartest QB since Manning is no doubt dazzling the Glazer Boys, who are doing their best to look serious about their “due diligence” and “investigation”.
All the while knowing they are drafting him.
They got to make it look good.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Let’s just all hope the Glazer Boys don’t channel their inner Culverhouse these 3 days.
Bo Jackson, anyone?
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:26 pm
None of the accusation’s against Winston will stick. He is like a duck in water, it all rolls off his back because of the big pot of money at the end of the rainbow directing the whole process.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:26 pm
The “smartest QB since Manning” has yet workout with an NFL team, let alone take a snap in pro ball.
Just like the “best prospect in 20 years” has been given up on after only half a dozen quarters of pro ball.
😉
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:33 pm
That’s a salient point Mr. Plank, but you must realize no draftee plays NFL football before he is drafted.
Not even Mariota.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:46 pm
Side news: It is being reported they are meeting with him in a room at One Buc Place void of any tables.
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:50 pm
hope they got a rape kit
March 3rd, 2015 at 4:51 pm
This is very interesting and can be spun literally anyway. I think L&L are leaning towards Winston and would rather get the nod from the Glazers sooner rather than later to focus on other potential moves.
March 3rd, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Idk. I’ve been following jaboo on ig for a while now and for a thug rapist he sure does go to church a lot. He also spend a lot of time reading to elementary school kids, that must mean he a pedophile too.
March 3rd, 2015 at 5:12 pm
(Barring his 1st pick status) I honestly don’t know if Winston could beat out Glennon….
March 3rd, 2015 at 6:01 pm
robert 9 – does a Barry as car thief scenario need to be created for you as well? You have trolling on Winston way too frequently.
March 3rd, 2015 at 6:01 pm
have been trolling
March 3rd, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Who in there right mind would want this as the face of this illustrious franchise?
http://www.buccaneers.com/videos/videos/Insider-Winston-Visits-One-Buc/b00ae653-f4c8-4522-b00f-9970c249bc7a
March 3rd, 2015 at 6:42 pm
@87
I know he’s scheduled, but he doesn’t have nearly the baggage Winston has, 3 days is a long time for a team visit, especially this early, one to two days is usual, which is what you’ll probably see Mariota and probably even Williams do. This is a cavity search, they are grilling him on everything he’s ever done that they were able to uncover, if I’m considering paying you millions of my money and making you the focal point of my team, you’d better be able to answer for everything you’ve ever done on and off the field, because if they get this wrong and a year or two down the line they found they have been conned, then he, Lovie, Licht, everyone will be gone.
March 3rd, 2015 at 7:17 pm
I read the three day thing was a mistake, he’s only there for one.
March 3rd, 2015 at 7:20 pm
And if they draft Mariota and he sucks their fired. So pick the best player and we all know who that is.
March 3rd, 2015 at 8:11 pm
It has become clear to me that Winston is the choice and a free agent vet QB like Matt Flynn.
I would not mind Marcus but Winston can step right in and throw to Jackson and Mike Evans.
A couple OL and they contend with the rookie.
March 3rd, 2015 at 11:00 pm
dilfer s***s so who cares!
March 3rd, 2015 at 11:07 pm
When Mariota comes to town for his meeting, the Glazers will then get to see what pure class is, even though Leonard Williams is by far the best player in this draft
March 3rd, 2015 at 11:13 pm
I think Joe is right about most of it, but I also think we’ll see a visit from Mariota before free agency starts as well.
A veteran qb would be one reason for it. Since Winston and Mariota play so differently, and Dirk can coach either style. The mentor is important. For example, a mobile veteran would be best for Mariota. A pocket passer for Winston.
That would also apply to the rest of the offense. For example, the oline might need greater strengths in pass protection, while with Mariota the strengths might lean slightly more toward run blocking.
March 3rd, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Flmike Says
“…one to two days is usual…”
Actually, by rule it can only be one day. Extra days would have to be used in another location and not official. Bucs would have to be very careful in how they handle it. Otherwise, we may lose the pick.
March 3rd, 2015 at 11:43 pm
I agree and think it’s deeper than that. They want potential free agents I know that they aren’t playing around. Now the whole world knows that Jameis was here and is likely the pick…and he got a chance to meet Jackson and presumably more veterans on the team who can spread a positive impression of him to potential free agents…to get guys that care about winning, you’re gonna need to convince them that we are ready for a quick turnaround.
March 4th, 2015 at 1:05 am
I don’t care for Kid Fameis…so I’m torn as to the meaning of inviting him in, first. Could be that the Bucs are signaling to the area, and preparing an ad campaign. Perhaps the Glazers are misinterpreting the FSU following in the area – as someone that appreciates both Florida and FSU achievements, but is a fan of neither – even I know that this area is more aligned with all thing Gator…
The kid is from Alabama, not Florida…surely the organization knows it’s not like drafting this guy is going to pull in an entirely new group of fans…surely they understand there are more TREES than people in North Florida, Southern Alabama and Southern Georgia…?
It might just as easily be that, prior to committing their future to Marcus Mariota, they’re giving Kid Fameis a public show of support in a very ostentatious way…to soften the landing…because despite all of the kind words and ‘unprecedented” March meetings…they’re not going to be choosing him….
Guess we’ll know when they start bringing in FA’s…especially if we target a veteran drop back QB and a bunch of man-power offensive linemen. The game is up!
March 4th, 2015 at 9:47 am
Welcome to the”Bay”Jamies,welcome to the Bay…
March 4th, 2015 at 5:57 pm
I like Mr. Magoo, but do not like the nickname “jaboo”. It’s too close to another racist slang word…just add “igg” after the j.