Report: New Orleans Saints make decision on quarterback Jameis Winston

Multiple quarterback dominoes have fallen in the NFL over recent days. Deshaun Watson has been traded to the Cleveland Browns and Matt Ryan is now with the Indianapolis Colts. The New Orleans Saints were reportedly in on Watson, but once that fell through, the Saints turned back to Jameis Winston.

Winston tore his ACL last season, his first as the Saints starting quarterback. Now, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Winston has signed a new two-year deal to remain in New Orleans.

“The #Saints are re-signing QB Jameis Winston to a two-year deal with a base value of $28 million, including $21M guaranteed, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” Pelissero tweeted. “So after missing out on Deshaun Watson, New Orleans turns to an old friend at QB.”

Winston was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Florida State, going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After five years with the Buccaneers, Winston signed with the Saints and took a year to sit behind and learn from Drew Brees. This past season, Winston got his shot to become the next starting quarterback in New Orleans.

In seven games before suffering his torn ACL, Winston led the Saints to a 5-2 record. He completed 59% of his passes for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Winston also had 166 rushing yards with a touchdown on the ground.

In his NFL career, Winston has shown flashes of being a great passer. But he has also shown inconsistency and has at times been prone to turning the ball over. In 2019 with Tampa Bay, he threw for over 5,000 yards with 33 touchdowns. But he also led the league with 30 interceptions.

The Saints stick with Winston instead of adding from elsewhere

There were still options available for the Saints at quarterback. Baker Mayfield is certainly going to be traded, and many expect Jimmy Garoppolo to be on the move as well. In the NFL Draft, the Saints could have the opportunity to select one of the top quarterbacks available. Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder highlight this year’s quarterback class.

In the end, the Saints are going to give Winston another shot. He tore his ACL on October 31, and his status is currently unknown for the start of next season. But recently, Winston was seen running on a treadmill, which is a remarkable step in his recovery.

Free-agent-to-be QB Jameis Winston is running today for the first time since undergoing surgery on the left ACL he tore Oct. 31 vs. the Buccaneers, 📹 by Kevin Wilk @ChampionSportsM pic.twitter.com/Lt3aH4hgRX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2022