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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick for the backup spot behind Jameis Winston for a second consecutive season. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport states it will happen before the start of free agency.
The #Bucs are expected to bring back QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in a deal that will be done before free agency, sources say. TB locks in their backup to QB Jameis Winston for the 2018 season. Fitz had a 2-1 record last year as a backup and returns for his 14th season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2018
After the Bears announced they would not be bringing back Mike Glennon after signing him last offseason, the Buccaneers were linked to reuniting with their former quarterback. That no longer appears to be the case.
This is a good move on Tampa Bay’s part. While it sures up the backup role, it also keeps a veteran voice in the quarterbacks room. More importantly, gives Tampa Bay a quarterback that can take over the starting role in case the Winston-Uber investigation does not go in the team’s favor.
Fitazpatrick started three games last season during Winston’s absence. He finished the 2017 season with seven touchdowns, three interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 86.