The Bucs have yet to ever give a second contract to a drafted quarterback in their 42 year history, but they are getting closer to breaking that almost unbelievable stat.

While it isn’t a new contract – yet – the fact that the Buccaneers have decided to exercise Jameis Winston’s fifth-year option tells you a lot about their future plans and what they think of their signal caller.

First reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs will be on the hook for $20.92 million in 2019, the last year of Winston’s initial rookie deal. That won’t keep the team from looking to sign the former FSU star to a new long-term deal before then however.

In his first three seasons in Tampa Bay, Winston has thrown for 11,636 yards, with 69 touchdowns and 44 interceptions. While Winston has the organization encouraged about the future, he and the team both know there is work left to be done. Winston told the media on Monday he is excited heading into his fourth season.

QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Mark Cook/PR

“It’s exciting to start the fourth year, especially with my teammates, my class coming in. Donovan [Smith] has a big year coming up, Ali [Marpet] has a big year coming up, and obviously, I have a huge year coming up,” Winston said on Monday. “And seeing guys like Cam [Brate] and Mike [Evans] – they reap what they sow. I mean, they got huge contracts but it’s what you said at the end. It’s about that postseason, man. It’s about getting some wins together, it’s about bringing this community behind us, it’s about really changing this culture around here and we’re taking strides to that but now it’s time to get it done.”