Winston quickly signs contract
Jameis Winston signed a four-year contract Friday, less than 24 hours after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first pick of the NFL draft.
Terms of the deal, announced at Winston’s introductory news conference, were not released but the contract reportedly is worth $25.35 million over four years with a $16.7 million signing bonus. The deal includes an option for a fifth year.
Winston said he was “glad we have the contract stuff out of the way,” adding he’s eager to get a copy of the team’s playbook and start working.
“This whole thing has been long for me,” the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner said of the monthslong draft process. “Football is what I’m here for ... I can’t wait.”
Talks began Thursday, when the Buccaneers selected the former Florida State star, despite questions about off-the-field issues that threatened to undermine Winston’s spot in the draft.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said the speedy conclusion with the contract was a reflection of how elated the team is to have Winston.
Hard to swallow
Jim Kelly said the toughest part was saying the words “Florida State.” Not exactly. Just showing up at the NFL draft was an accomplishment for the former Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame quarterback. Kelly has fought two separate battles with cancer. He joked that as a former Miami Hurricanes player, he wasn’t crazy about announcing Buffalo’s second-round pick, cornerback Ronald Darby, from rival Florida State.
Kelly said he felt great and basked in a warm ovation that began when he stepped on stage. He want fans to know how much their support has meant to him.
“I just want people to know, they talk about me being an inspiration to them,” Kelly said. “I just want to let them know they’ve been an inspiration to me.”
Shuffle returns
It’s official. The NFL draft has turned into a celebration. We have seen the Ickey Shuffle. Bengals legend Ickey Woods gave the people what they came for — a brief version of the shuffle — when he came on to announce Cincinnati’s secondround pick, the 53rd pick overall: offensive lineman Jake Fisher of Oregon. Woods also let out a yelp, reminiscent of the sound he makes on the insurance commercial in which he’s currently starring.