Ryan Fitzpatrick agrees to a one-year deal to remain with the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be keeping their depth chart at the first two spots intact at the quarterback position for the 2018 NFL season. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has reportedly agreed to return to the team in order to backup Jameis Winston once again.

According to ESPN, Fitzpatrick has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Tampa Bay.

Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buccaneers have agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

The NFL Network first reported the deal, which was confirmed by ESPN.

With the team determined to continue building around a promising young quarterback in Winston, the Bucs didn’t have to make a splashy move in NFL free agency during the offseason. Fitzpatrick is a formidable backup and although no longer in his prime, he’s suitable for the job needed to get done in Tampa Bay while the team hopes Winston takes the next step in his development.

Fitzpatrick said the following about his decision to stay with the Bucs for at least another season, via ESPN.

“At this point in my career, I’m not gonna be given or gifted a chance to start anywhere probably,” Fitzpatrick said. “There’s a lot of things that weigh into [the decision to play] now that maybe didn’t years ago, in terms of family and different situations. I enjoyed the year that I had here.”

The Bucs came into the 2017 NFL season with high hopes of being a serious threat in the NFC. Winston was expected to show some significant progress, especially with the addition of DeSean Jackson to the receiving corps alongside arguably one of the best wideouts in the game in Mike Evans.

Whether Winston truly is in the long-term starter remains to be seen as the 2018 campaign may be make or break while Fitzpatrick returns for insurance.