By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
If you’re hoping for a full on quarterback switch between the Patriots and Buccaneers, don’t hold your breath.
NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reported Friday afternoon that a ‘high ranking Patriots official’ told him it is “highly unlikely at this juncture” the team would pursue former Tampa quarterback Jameis Winston in free agency.
Winston became an NFL punchline last season when he threw 30 interceptions. He was the first quarterback to hit that number since Vinny Testaverde in 1988. Seven of those 30 interceptions were returned for touchdowns, an NFL single-season record.
There were some shots of brilliance with Winston in 2019. He led the league in passing yards and was the only QB to go over 5,000, pairing that with 30 touchdowns. Still, the decision making seems to be making teams weary, with reports earlier in the week indicating the 2015 first-overall pick will likely have to accept a backup role if he wants to be on an NFL roster in 2020.
As for the Patriots, for now it looks like they’re content heading into the draft without a veteran quarterback on their roster. For more on why that’s the right idea, click here.