Jameis Winston is still under contract with the New Orleans Saints. He is owed a ridiculous amount of money unless he receives a contract extension or is cut by March 16. Winston’s latest comments make the latter seem much more likely. Winston leaving New Orleans after 2023 always seemed to be the most likely outcome, but his words seemingly cemented it.
“My goal is to be, and my desire is to be, a Super Bowl-winning starting quarterback in this league,” Winston told Kyle Mosley at Saints News Network. “Right now, that doesn’t look like a very clear picture with the New Orleans Saints.”
Winston took a backseat when signing with the Saints in 2020. That always felt temporary until Drew Brees retired. Winston then took over the reigns but had his season derailed due to injury. When the Saints signed Derek Carr, Winston returned in a clear backup role with no mobility to being a starter. Winston makes it clear that isn’t good enough.
He won’t be viewed as a surefire franchise quarterback, but there are a few situations he could go that are more advantageous than returning to the Saints. Winston could be a Week 1 starter for a team who wants their rookie quarterback to sit for a while. He could also go to a team whose quarterback has less job security than Derek Carr. Both are better paths to being a starter than being a Saint.
If this is the case, Winston’s last moment with New Orleans was being a part of faking a knee against the Atlanta Falcons. Dennis Allen won’t like it but this is one of the most memorable moments of the season. Embarrassing the rivals with a hilarious display of deception on your way out the door is the best peace sign we’ve seen in a while. Sticking it to Allen may have sweetened the deal in hindsight.
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