Though it is unlikely they look to free agency to address the quarterback position, the Indianapolis Colts will at least take a look at some of the options on the market. This includes the polarizing Jameis Winston.

The Road So Far

Selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Winston has been under center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ever since. It hasn’t been all that of an easy road for Winston, especially when it comes to his interception percentage.

Winston has shown through his five years that he isn’t afraid to target downfield attempts and he isn’t afraid to fit a ball into a tight window—even when it winds up leading to an interception.

Over his five-year career, Winston has averaged 24.2 touchdown passes and 17.6 interceptions per season.

In 2019, Winston completed 60.7% of his passes for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and an 84.3 passer rating.

Fit With The Colts

The Colts have a need at quarterback after the showing Jacoby Brissett put on the field in 2019. His conservative mindset and lack of accuracy down the stretch made it clear the Colts likely need to find his usurper sooner rather than later. It isn’t clear if Winston is the type of quarterback they want.

Winston is an intriguing fit with the Colts because he isn’t afraid to take deep shots down the field. His deep pass percentage ranked fourth-highest among quarterbacks with at least 49 deep pass attempts. However, his risky play is likely enough to keep the Colts from seriously considering him as a candidate in free agency.

When paying a quarterback the money Winston could get, the Colts will want someone who checks all of their character and leader boxes. It isn’t clear how the Colts feel about him in that regard.

Price

We know the Colts won’t be big players in free agency because of Chris Ballard’s philosophy and the projected price for Winston only furthers that notion. According to Spotrac’s market value model, Winston is projected to receive a four-year deal worth just over $107 million. It’s just incredibly difficult to see Ballard paying that much money for a player with such a volatile skillset.

Conclusion

There is no denying the Colts should address the quarterback position this offseason, but it is hard to see them doing so in free agency. Winston has some intriguing traits and maybe even some that could be upgraded with Frank Reich as his head coach.

But given Winston’s track record of volatility and the projected price of his next contract, the Colts should consider looking elsewhere.

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