Jameis Winston has elevated his status in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers locker room. According to JoeBucsFan.com, the Bucs have named Winston one of the captains for the team’s offense.

New head coach Dirk Koetter has named Winston and wide receiver Vincent Jackson captains on offense. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Lavonte David were named captains on defense. Wide receiver Russell Shepard was named the captain of special teams.

Koetter and the organization are 100% behind Winston as the club’s future and team leader. Winston had a solid rookie campaign in Tampa Bay, throwing 4,042 yards, 22 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Giving the 22-year-old a bigger leadership role is a sign of trust, but increased expectations.

The Buccaneers are going off their own relationship with Winston, as his college resume at FSU doesn’t scream leader. He’s still facing a civil suit from Erica Kinsman, who alleged Winston sexually assaulted her. Winston was also given an adult civil citation for shoplifting charges and was suspended for a match against Clemson for shouting vulgarities. Winston could be a changed man in the pros, but the track record isn’t encouraging.

Winston might not be a great person, but he’s a very good quarterback. The Buccaneers know this and by giving him a leadership position, they’re handing added responsibility to an athlete who, at times, desperately needed to mature. This might be the next step towards Winston’s maturation, or it could be an example of enabling a player who needs stricter discipline.

Time will tell.

[Pro Football Talk]

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