The New Orleans Saints have made more quarterback moves in the past few weeks than any other team in the league during the offseason. First, Drew Brees signed an extension with the Saints in late March to play the 2020 season. Second, they locked up ‘Swiss-army knife’ QB Taysom Hill through 2021. Third and most shockingly, New Orleans signed free agent Jameis Winston to a 1-year deal, where he will have a chance to get to learn from one of the most dynamic offensive duos of the past two decades.
Saints Head coach Sean Payton has quite a project on his hands with Winston. The young Tampa Bay gunslinger became the first player in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions last season. The initial plan seems to hint at a succession plan for Drew Brees at the end of the 2020 season, and would require another talent to take his place the following year.
To fit underneath the salary cap, Winston’s 2020 salary has been said to be “very economical,” stated by several sources. Winston will get a chance to compete for the backup job behind Drew Brees with Taysom Hill Mississippi State QB Tommy Stevens, who was drafted in the seventh round of the draft on Saturday.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Jameis spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston passed for 19,737 yards and 121 touchdowns while throwing 88 interceptions. The team went 28-42 in games he started, and if he plays his cards right, he may just get a second shot in leading one of the league’s most prominent franchises for years to come.
