Sinnett signs with Tampa Bay

Former USD starting quarterback Reid Sinnett officially signs an NFL contract as an undrafted free agent

Chris Spiering / Sports Editor / The USD Vista

The 2020 National Football League (NFL) Draft ended Saturday afternoon and former Torero standout-quarterback Reid Sinnett is taking his talents to the pros.

The Iowa native is set to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent after finishing up at USD this past fall. 

Sinnett is a two-time Pioneer Football League (PFL) Offensive Player of the Week winner and was at the top of all PFL players as he finished 11th in the Walter Payton Award finalist voting (for the nation’s top player). 

Sinnett was a backup quarterback for four seasons before starting in his redshirt-senior season. But not seeing the field didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream. 

Long before the draft, Sinnett knew he had a chance to go to the NFL and could even get drafted.“We have had conversations with the Bucs coaching staff and that maybe they would take a quarterback in the seventh round,” Sinnett said. “So I was really looking forward to that, but my agent said ‘it doesn’t look like they are going to take a quarterback, so hang tight.’” 

Before the draft ended and his agent had told him the news that the team was interested in him, Sinnett knew that he was going to sign with Tampa Bay. Every football player dreams of hearing their name called on draft night, and if they don’t, that just adds a little extra fuel to their fire.

Sinnett’s agent asked him if he wanted to entertain any other offers from other teams, but he was confident in his decision with the Bucs. Sinnett knew Tampa Bay was the place for him and he couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.

“A couple weeks before the draft I would have said you were crazy if I got drafted,” Sinnett said. “As the day came, I was watching and thinking that it could happen. I was kinda nervous and up-and-down all day but, you know, it ended up working out.” 

Sinnett finished the 2019 season completing 67% of his passes and threw for 3,528 passing yards. His 32 passing touchdowns and just 10 interceptions on the season helped him finish second in the nation in passing efficiency. Sinnett did a great job of limiting turnovers to keep giving his offense a chance to score every possession. 

Sinnett was consistent throughout the season for the most part. After throwing an early five interceptions in the first two games against Cal Poly San Louis Obispo and UC Davis, he went on a nine-game stretch throwing just two interceptions. Despite this being his only season as a starter, his rapid improvement earned him a chance to play in the pros. 

Sinnett’s game doesn’t involve just using his canon of an arm — he can use his legs to escape defenses and has enough speed to reach the endzone by tucking and running. He ended last season with 174 rushing yards and six touchdowns, a striking dual-threat ability. 

Due to COVID-19, many athletes were forced to stay home and work out on their own to prepare for whatever it is they want to accomplish. For football prospects looking to play in the NFL, it couldn’t have been worse timing. This didn’t stop Sinnett from preparing to be an NFL quarterback. He trained however he could to make sure he would fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL.  “Since shelter in place happened I was lucky enough to have a friend who has a gym in Southern California,” Sinnett said. “So I was working out in San Diego with Ross Dwelley (Former USD Tight End and current San Francisco 49er) and we would throw together inside. I’ve had the chance to throw since I’ve been here and that has been great.” 

A few weeks before the draft, the most famous football player on earth shocked the world when he decided to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and leave the New England Patriots. Tom Brady is a five-time Super Bowl Champion and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever live. Sinnett now has a chance to be teammates with Brady and may also have an opportunity to compete against Brady as the starting QB for the Bucs.
Sinnett is thrilled to be able to learn from Brady and that was a huge influence on his decision. 

“That was the reason why I chose to go there,” Sinnett said. “Getting to learn from the best to ever do it is going to be a great way to develop, try and learn the game, and make some great experiences there too. The QB situation there is ideal for me to stick around and hopefully make the team. It is really exciting.” 

As of now, there is no timetable for the start of the NFL season, so all Sinnett can do is be patient and prepare as he has been. 
“I’m not sure what is going to happen,” Sinnett said. “I’m just excited to get down there and hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.”