While the NFL draft headlined most of the weekend, free agent QB and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jameis Winston will sign a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. This move provides depth for the Saints at QB, considering Brees is 41 and is probably tough to make 16 regular season starts a year at this stage in his career. I like this move for many reasons and this could be the start of Winston reinvigorating his career.
First, from the Saints point of view, this is a low-risk high-reward signing. Winston slides in and pretty much takes Teddy Bridgewater’s spot as the backup from last year. QB/Swiss army knife Taysom Hill also signed a two-year contract extension on Sunday keeping him around for another couple years at least. Also, the Saints drafted Mississippi State QB Tommy Stevens in the seventh round of the draft. Taysom Hill is going to have a similar role like he has in the past, taking a couple snaps at QB a game, have a couple run plays and a few receiving plays. He can do it all on offense, and Sean Payton will prefer to have him as a hybrid instead of labeling him as the backup. That means Winston will be the backup on this team. Also, since Brees is 41 and the Saints are all in on winning a Super Bowl, it might be smart to sit Brees a game or two if he is banged up/has nagging injuries so he can be fresh for the playoffs. This could open the door for Winston to start a game here and there.
From Jameis Winston’s point of view, this is a great move. I think Jameis can still have a great career in the NFL. He has had his ups and downs statistically in his first few years in the league. He was second in the league last year throwing 33 TD passes, only three behind MVP Lamar Jackson. On the contrary, he had by far the most interceptions in the league with a staggering number of 30. He will take a step back and learn from one of the best QBs to ever play. It’s unlikely Winston will start more than 1-2 games this year, if any (unless Brees gets injured). Brees will teach him on and off the field, on how to become a better QB and a better leader. With all the knowledge Winston will gain this season, he can either go to a team in need of a starter next year or who knows, take over in New Orleans when Brees retires. Although many may disagree, call me crazy, I think Winston can still be a top 5 QB in the league eventually. He has the talent, and if he puts it all together he can be one of the most entertaining QBs to watch with his big arm. I think this is a new beginning for him, and wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years he’s in the conversation for MVP of the league.
Let me know your thoughts!
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image by Will Vragovic/Getty Images
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