Click here to subscribe today or Login.
TAMPA, Fla. — Jameis Winston met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hoping to make a good impression on the team considering taking the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback with the first pick in the NFL draft.
The Bucs confirmed the former Florida State star was in town Tuesday to sit down with club officials who will be involved in deciding whether to draft Winston. Another quarterback option being considered by the Bucs is Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman winner from Oregon.
Winston nor club officials spoke to the media. However following the visit, the team’s website posted a video of the 21-year-old answering questions inside One Buc Place.
“I just want them to know I am human and I’m a great person, and this smile isn’t fake,” Winston said.
“I just want to show them I can be the face of this franchise one day,” the quarterback added, “and actions speak louder than words.”
While it’s not unusual to conduct predraft interviews at club facilities, it’s rare to bring in a potential pick nearly two months in advance.
The Bucs have the top pick for the first time since 1987. Upgrading at quarterback is a priority after going 2-14 last season and missing the playoffs for the seventh straight year.
Winston won the Heisman Trophy and led Florida State to a national championship as red-shirt freshman in 2013. He also made headlines off the field, including an allegation of sexual assault that did result in any criminal charges.
“It’s not really important for me to be the first pick, but it is important to me to be picked,” Winston said, adding that he was blessed during his “years at Florida State to win the national championship and just be a winning quarterback.
“I would love to be (drafted) here.”
As for Winston, he has already begun to build his brand, regardless of where he is drafted.
The marketing agency that represents Winston is trying to trademark “Famous Jameis,” the popular nickname for him during his two seasons with the Seminoles.
Online records with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office indicate The Legacy Agency filed the trademark on behalf of Winston on Feb. 5.
Russ Spielman, a partner of The Legacy Agency, told ESPN.com that the move was made to protect Winston’s intellectual property and they hope to use the trademark for “way down the line.”
Eagles cut Williams
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles released cornerback Cary Williams.
Williams was signed by the Eagles as a free agent in 2013 and started all 32 games over the last two seasons. He had five interceptions.
Williams was a seventh-round draft round pick of the Tennessee Titans, where he played for parts of two seasons before joining the Baltimore Ravens. He started 28 games over four seasons and was part of the Super Bowl championship team in 2013. He has nine career interceptions, one touchdown and 305 tackles.
With Bradley Fletcher set to become a free agent, the Eagles will have three cornerbacks remaining on the roster: Brandon Boykin, Nolan Carroll II and Jaylen Watkins.
With Tuesday’s release, the Eagles will save about $6.5 million against the salary cap.
Niners ink rugby star
SAN FRANCISCO — A person with knowledge of the agreement says Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne has agreed to a contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Tuesday because an announcement is not anticipated until Hayne signs. He is expected to receive $100,000 guaranteed.
Hayne is giving up his sport to pursue an NFL career. He likely will compete for a job as a running back and return man on special teams. The 27-year-old player is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds.
He held a news conference in Sydney to announce he would join the 49ers, who are beginning to build a roster for new coach Jim Tomsula.