Jameis Winston gets surprising deal to return to New Orleans Saints

Saints fans can rejoice as they’ve secured their QB1. The Saints decided to bring Jameis Winston back for another shot at being the QB of the future.

The Who Dat nation should be celebrating Monday’s news. Even with Deshaun Watson flirting with the team, and Matt Ryan leaving the division for the Colts, the Saints did not miss out on a seat in the game of QB musical chairs.

Following a strong showing in seven starts with New Orleans in 2021, New Orleans is bringing quarterback Jameis Winston back on a two-year deal worth $28 million. The deal also has $21 million in guaranteed dollars going the 2015 No. 1 overall pick’s way.

Jameis Winston was on an outstanding pace pre-injury

Although a small sample size, Winston went 5-2 as a starter with the Saints last fall and he compiled the best touchdown-to-interception rate of his career (14 TDs, 3 INTs). He also had career-bests in TD% (8.7), INT% (1.9), and passer rating (102.8).

Winston benefitted from sitting behind Drew Brees for a season in 2020, as well as learning under prolific offensive mind Sean Payton, but both are gone after retiring in each of the last two offseasons. Now the Saints will look to open up former DC turned head coach Dennis Allen’s era with Winston under center, as he’ll lead the offense with longtime Saints OC Pete Carmichael Jr.

The move seems to be fruitful for both sides. For NOLA, the team was able to secure a starting-level QB for a reasonable rate after going through salary cap hell in each of the last two years. The Florida State product will be making an average of $14 million per year, ranking 16th in the NFL for QBs, according to Spotrac.

And for Winston, he’s able to secure decent money on the short term while also coming back on as a full-time starter. He may have had his struggles in Tampa Bay (135 TDs, 91 INTs, 87.8 passer rating), but he had tons of flashes showing off his talent. Not only was he a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2015, but the 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner also led the Bucs to a 9-7 campaign in 2016.

As polarizing as Winston became for his 2019 season with the Buccaneers after throwing 30 INTs, it must be noted that he also had 33 TD passes and led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards that year. Before tearing his ACL, playing in NOLA showed how beneficial a good offensive line and a viable running game can benefit Winston.

I also like the move from the continuity perspective. Plus, Winston is the first flag posted in what this offense may look like. Will Michael Thomas return after a tumultuous 2021 on and off the field? Will Alvin Kamara miss time after his altercation in Las Vegas following the Pro Bowl? Will Terron Armstead re-sign with the team after having three Pro Bowl seasons there?

There’s still a lot to be decided. But for the time being, and considering that the team has roughly $18.21 million left to work with in free agency, bringing back Winston gives the Saints the leeway to sign other players for the 2022 season, as well as brings back a player who could help them compete in the much-less-intimidating NFC for a playoff spot.