Report: Saints reveal interest level in Cam Newton following Jameis Winston injury

It was a rollercoaster day for the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Sean Payton’s squad won an exhilarating game over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they also lost quarterback Jameis Winston to a knee injury.

After gutting out a huge victory over Tampa Bay, it’s evident the Saints have great potential in 2021. Although Trevor Siemian played well with Winston out, many are wondering if New Orleans should pursue help from outside the organization.

There’s one talented quarterback who the Saints can bring in via free agency — Cam Newton. Originally expected to lead the New England Patriots this season, Newton was released in favor of rookie Mac Jones. Now, he’s waiting patiently for an opportunity to come along.

Could the Saints – a team Newton faced for years while leading the Carolina Panthers – be the team that gives the former NFL MVP a call? According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, it won’t be their first option.

“I’m told the Saints will 1st look to its own QB depth to address the loss of Jameis Winston, per league source,” tweeted Anderson. The big question for New Orleans is which player on the roster will start at the QB position for the next game given Taysom Hill’s multi-role: Hill or Trevor Siemian?

“My understanding is the Saints will not pursue Cam Newton, at this time, per league source. Taysom Hill, who suffered a concussion Oct. 10 vs WFT, is expected to return – barring a setback – vs ATL Sun. Though it’s not definitive Hill will start at QB at this time, as stated.”

Evidently, the Saints believe they can replace Winston in-house. Now, Newton will wait for a different opportunity to roll along.

More on Jameis Winston’s injury

According to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, starting quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a “significant” knee injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury occurred early in the second quarter, and left Winston on crutches postgame.

Jameis Winston will likely undergo further tests on the knee injury over the coming week, but many fear bad news. NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport called the injury a “potentially season-ending situation.”

Following the injury, Winston had to be helped off the field following an awkward horse collar tackle. He was taken for evaluation in the blue medical tent on the sideline. The medical staff held Winston in the tent for a long time as a motorized cart waited outside. Teammates Alvin Kamara and Terron Armstead were also seen walking into the tent to check on him.

“An apparent ACL injury, as well as potential damage to the MCL,” Rapaport later tweeted.