With the NFL’s legal tampering window inching closer to opening, clubs around the league are working hard at re-signing players on their roster who are scheduled to become free agents.
One of those teams is the New Orleans Saints, who for the first time in 15 seasons have questions at quarterback following the retirement of Drew Brees.
Taysom Hill is under contract for the next four years and is a favorite of coach Sean Payton, but the Saints don’t appear ready to commit to Hill as the heir to Brees. According to ESPN’s Diana Russini, New Orleans is working hard to re-sign Jameis Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2015.
It's no secret in New Orleans they like Jameis Winston and want to bring him back. The two sides are working on getting a deal done, per sources. This would not mean Winston is the starter if it gets done, it was explained to me, this will be a quarterback competition at camp.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2021
Winston appeared in just four games in 2020 and attempted only 11 passes, but he made a good enough impression on the coaching staff to become an offseason priority.
Reports suggest the Saints are offering Winston a deal similar to Cam Newton’s new contract with the Patriots, which will pay him up to $14 million in 2021.
If Winston hits the open market, he’ll be an attractive target for quarterback-needy teams.