Jameis Winston Reportedly Finalizing Deal With New Orleans Saints

Winston reportedly passed up 'a more lucrative offer' from another team to sign with the Saints.

Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Getty

Image via Getty/Carmen Mandato

Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After parting ways with Tampa Bay, it looks like Jameis Winston's next stop will be The Big Easy. 

On Sunday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Winston is inching toward a 1-year deal with the New Orleans Saints

As the #Saints and FA QB Jameis Winston close in on a 1-year deal, worth noting Winston turned down a more lucrative offer elsewhere to learn from some of the best. The former #Bucs starter put the emphasis on his future in a smart choice.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2020

Winston has several question marks surrounding his effectiveness and ability to be a starting quarterback. The quarterback is coming off a season where he turned the ball over 35 times—30 of which were interceptions. Per Rapoport, Winston is signing with the Saints so he could fill these holes in his game by learning from future Hall of Famer, Drew Brees. In doing so, he reportedly passed up "a more lucrative offer" from another team.

A smart decision by Jameis and a fascinating week for the #Saints. He becomes a potentially big part of their future if it all works out. https://t.co/IJf4u6lfQs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2020

Although it's clear that Jameis is invested in his future, signing with the Saints won't guarantee him a spot as Brees' successor. Sources tell Yahoo Sports that Winston will be competing with Taysom Hill for the No. 2 quarterback position. The Saints also drafted Mississippi State quarterback, Tommy Stevens, in the seventh round on Sunday. 

But if things work in his favor, Winston will be the Saints' choice when they're in need of a "traditional" back up while Hill continues his role as an auxiliary player. Winston will also get to learn under the tutelage of Sean Payton and Brees. The last person who restructured their career this way was Teddy Bridgewater, who went on to sign a $63 million with the Carolina Panthers in March.    

Latest in Sports