TAMPA, Fla. -- Free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston has not yet landed with a new team, but he bid farewell to Tampa Bay on Saturday morning via Instagram and Twitter.
The now-former Buccaneers quarterback posted a photo on social media of the night in 2015 that he was drafted with the first overall pick.
"It's been a great 5 seasons as a Buccaneer. All love and respect. I love Tampa and I look forward to seeing y'all again in February. #SBLV #2020Vision #Dreamforever," he wrote.
It's been a great 5 seasons as a Buccaneer. All love and respect, I love Tampa and I look forward to seeing y'all again in February. #SBLV #2020Vision #Dreamforever pic.twitter.com/MIPiCfreXW
— Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) March 21, 2020
His time as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback came to an end Friday, when Tampa Bay signed six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady to a two-year deal.
Some teammates have told ESPN that they are refraining from reacting to the Brady signing out of respect for Winston, who was a valued presence in their locker room.
"Battling with Jameis the last two years has been some of the most fun I've had playing football," center Ryan Jensen told ESPN. "Not only did we become teammates but also good friends over the last two years. This business is always tough and just that -- a business. I'm excited to see where Jameis lands. With that, I'm excited to go to battle with Tom and excited to see what he will bring to the organization."
Winston, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2013 at Florida State, started 70 games for the Buccaneers, going 28-42, including a 9-7 record in 2016 -- one of just two winning seasons for Tampa Bay in the past decade.
He led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards in 2019 but also became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions.
