Saints to release Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas in procedural moves Wednesday

As was expected, the Saints will release Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas in procedural moves on Wednesday. Here’s what it means for the salary cap:

We knew this was coming, but now it’s confirmed, and there’s no going back. The New Orleans Saints will be releasing quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas on Wednesday with post-June 1 designations, per Over The Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald, making both of them unrestricted free agents. A number of other players around the league are being let go with the same designation, including Odell Beckham Jr.

It’s unclear whether Thomas was given permission to begin speaking with other teams prior to being released, like Winston, but that’s a reasonable assumption. In Winston’s case, he already knows where he’ll be playing football in 2024: the Cleveland Browns. Winston has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million. He’ll be backing up Deshaun Watson who is still recovering from season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder in 2023.

Teams are only allowed to designate two releases as post-June 1 cuts each offseason, which is done for accounting purposes to help manage the salary cap. Here are the remaining salary cap hits the Saints will carry in 2024 and 2025 after moving on from both players:

  • 2024: $15.69 million in total. $11.1 million (for Thomas) and $4.59 million (for Winston). This is about 6.1% of the salary cap
  • 2025: $16.54 million in total. $9.18 million (for Thomas) and $7.36 million (for Winston). This is about 5.9% of an estimated $280 million salary cap

It’s frustrating to lose so much salary cap space for players no longer on the roster, but that’s the cost of doing business sometimes. And things will get a little easier for the Saints on June 2, at which point they will get some cap relief. They’ll receive a $2.42 million cap credit for both players’ base salaries coming off the books, which can go towards signing their rookie draft class.

We’ll see what’s next for both of them, and for the Saints. Players come and go but the NFL’s calendar keeps moving on.

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Jameis Winston comments on his decision to join the Browns

Jameis Winston commented on his decision to join the Browns, saying he sees Cleveland as a great opportunity:

Why is Jameis Winston planning to sign with the Cleveland Browns for 2024 if he had his hopes set on competing for a starting quarterback job? The New Orleans Saints free agent shared his thought process after news broke of his impending departure, and he sees Cleveland as a great opportunity to help a team reach the Super Bowl while getting chances to play with a starter on the mend.

Deshaun Watson is coming off of a season-ending injury to his throwing shoulder, and he hasn’t met expectations after the Browns made a historic investment to acquire him. Winston sees this as a good place to be a supporter, and, if needed, fill in should Watson miss more time.

“Yes, I still envision myself as a starter, however the Lord has also called me to lead by impacting and increasing the men who are around me,” Winston told CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. “Having the opportunity to work with Deshaun and help him be the best he can possibly be, is my main mission. Now, if Deshaun has to heal up for whatever reason, and I have to take a few games off of him, I’m going to be ready to do that; but I have to fulfill God’s purpose first before my own heart’s desire. Because ultimately I desire to win some Super Bowls, and this roster that Cleveland got, looks like they can do it.”

The Saints went 5-2 with Winston starting under Sean Payton back in 2021, but back-to-back injuries and poor play-calling from Pete Carmichael caused Winston’s performance to nosedive. He’s thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6) in limited appearances over the last two seasons.

But, as he said, the Browns present a good opportunity. Watson missed 11 games last year recovering from shoulder surgery. He’s thrown more interceptions (9) than Winston over the last two seasons, and there are high expectations for him to deliver on what the Browns promised when they traded so many draft picks for him and guaranteed his entire contract.

Something to keep in mind: the Browns will visit the Saints at the Caesars Superdome during the 2024 season. There’s a chance it could be Winston, not Watson, under center when the time comes.

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Report: Browns closing in on deal with Jameis Winston

Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz says the Cleveland Browns are closing in on a deal with Jameis Winston:

Jameis Winston is closing in on a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, which would shut the door on his time with the New Orleans Saints. Winston had previously said he hoped to find a team where he could compete for a starting job, but instead he’ll be backing up Deshaun Watson if this deal goes through.

It makes sense when you look at the money: a maximum value of $8.7 million, Schultz says, which is more than twice what Winston received from the Saints last year. Fine money for a backup, and he had his choice of options after other teams expressed interest in his services.

And this might be a better opportunity than it first appears. Watson missed most of the 2023 season recovering from an injured throwing shoulder, and if durability continues to be a problem for him then Winston could get on the field for Cleveland in 2024.

Of course we aren’t crossing the finish line just yet. Deals may be agreed to right now but they can’t be signed until after Wednesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline. The Jacksonville Jaguars learned that the hard way when former Saints kicker Wil Lutz backed out of an agreement to stay with the Denver Broncos. But it sure looks like Winston will be out of New Orleans very soon.

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Two more teams emerge as suitors for Jameis Winston

Two more teams emerged as suitors for Jameis Winston. He isn’t lacking for options as free agency takes shape:

Jameis Winston isn’t lacking for options outside the New Orleans Saints. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson repots that the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants are “among new teams that’ve shown preliminary interest” in Winston, along with the previously-reported Cleveland Browns.

Winston has said he intends to search for a team where he can compete to start, and the Titans look like the best fit — the only person standing in his way is second-year quarterback Will Levis, who wasn’t drafted by the new Tennessee coaching staff. Levis started nine games as a rookie, completing 58.4% of his passes, scoring 8 touchdown passes, and throwing 4 interceptions while being sacked 28 times with 7 fumbles. The Titans went 3-6 before overhauling their coaching staff.

Compare that to the other two situations, where the Browns and Giants must start Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones after paying them so highly. At the same time, both of those quarterbacks missed extensive time with injuries last season, so these could be better opportunities for Winston to get on the field than they first appear. We’ll see where he ends up, but it’s looking like he won’t necessarily have to stay with the Saints in 2024.

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Saints free agent preview: QB Jameis Winston, stay or go?

We’re kicking off our New Orleans Saints free agent preview with QB Jameis Winston. Should he stay or should he go?

There’s a number of tough decisions ahead for the New Orleans Saints in free agency, but they’ve done a good job retaining players in the past and should have an opportunity to add new talent on the open market. Their busy activity last summer took many of their most high-profile 2024 free agents off the board — guys like Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, and Cesar Ruiz, among others.

Which brings us to those still up in the air. We’ll start with quarterback Jameis Winston. Techniclaly speaking, he isn’t a free agent. But the Saints paid him a $100,000 bonus before the 2023 season ended to move the expiration date back on his contract, which makes it easier for them to release him, at least as far as the salary cap is concerned.

As reported by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the Saints must choose whether to release Winston or extend his contract by March 16 or pay him a staggering $107,255,000. That isn’t a check they’re going to write, so a decision is coming. Let’s recap Winston’s time with the Saints thus far and decide whether or not he should stick with New Orleans:

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency

Jameis Winston says he ‘would love to stay in NOLA forever’ ahead of free agency. The Saints quarterback has found a lot of love in New Orleans:

There aren’t many New Orleans Saints players who have enjoyed Carnival season better than Jameis Winston. The quarterback has been a common site on Mardi Gras parade routes with his young son and family, shaking hands and taking photos with fans in-between plates of smothered turkey necks and red beans. He’s embraced the city’s culture and sense of community and, he hopes, he’ll continue to do so for a long time.

“I would love to stay in NOLA forever. But whatever the Lord has planned for me, I’m going to go and do my best, wherever that is. Hopefully it’s here, because I love this, I love the energy, and I love this city,” Winston laughed during an interview with WDSU meteorologist Margaret Orr, this year’s honorary Muse of the Krewe of Muses.

Will Winston return for 2024? By all accounts he’s been nothing but a good teammate, accepting his demotion to the backup role after Dennis Allen brought in Derek Carr and okaying the offense’s decision to score a late-game touchdown for Jamaal Williams to close out the season. But the Saints reworked his contract before the 2023 season ended so that they can release him in March with a more-manageable salary cap hit. All signs point to his time in New Orleans running out.

If that’s the case, this experience is something Winston will cherish. Even if he ends up joining a rival team like the dirty birds.

“I just love the people. When I go out and meet individuals, they’re so authentic,” Winston continued, comparing the sense of community he’s found to the Southern hospitality he experienced growing up in Alabama. “New Orleans, there’s not another place in the world that’s like New Orleans. It’s the culture, and just the love that’s here. I admire it.”

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Jameis Winston previews his possible landing spots in free agency

Jameis Winston previewed his possible landing spots in free agency, but Saints fans won’t like his preferred destination:

Where will Jameis Winston play football in 2024? The New Orleans Saints reworked their contract with Winston so that they’ll have to extend or release him before the start of free agency in March, which offers some slight salary cap benefits.

It’s tough to see Winston returning after he and the rest of the offense went rogue in mop-up duty against the Atlanta Falcons to close out the 2023 season. So where could he land next?

That’s what was asked of him during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast. Winston was asked to name his preference of four (well, five) “random” cities that all happen to house NFL teams with question marks at quarterback: Seattle, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Foxborough, Mass.

“They sound random,” Winston quipped. When the hosts added Denver to the list, he responded, “I was waiting for that one.”

The Seahawks can get out of their contract with quarterback Geno Smith easily enough. Atlanta desperately needs an answer under center. Washington is expected to pick a quarterback second overall in the 2024 draft, as are the Patriots at No. 3. All four teams have new head coaches, too. And we can’t rule out a reunion with Sean Payton on the Broncos.

As for Winston’s preference? He’s eager to embrace any opportunity, though one city stands out from the rest. And Saints fans won’t be happy to hear it.

“Atlanta, I grew up an hour and a half from Atlanta,” Winston mused. “I’m from Birmingham, Alabama. That would be a beautiful time just for my family. That would be beautiful. But I feel like I’m the attraction. I’m the thing, I’m the city, that is going to bring joy, love, trust, peace, and integrity to any location that I’m at. Because I’m a man of increase. Wherever it may be, that city, is going to get someone that is ready. A kingdom man that is prepared to grow everyone around him.”

No one has questioned Winston’s positive mindset and leadership qualities; he’s been loved by every locker room he’s ever joined. And that could help him secure his next NFL opportunity. Whether teams view him as a potential starter or a high-end backup, his services should be in demand. We’ll just have to wait until March to see what’s next for him.

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Teammates publicly side with Jameis Winston after late-game audible

Dennis Allen may be upset at the Saints offense decision to get Jamaal Williams a touchdown late in the game, but his teammates loved it:

The New Orleans Saints demolition of the Atlanta Falcons was, in a way, overshadowed by late game controversy. With the game well in hand, the offense decided to get Jamaal Williams his first touchdown of the year instead of kneeling the ball out. This decision resulted in Arthur Smith cursing Dennis Allen out after the game. It was later revealed the offense went against Allen’s wishes.

The Falcons may feel like it was running up the score, but they were merely collateral damage. The decision to get Williams a touchdown was all about making Williams feel valued for his season of hard work. This was similar to a player trying to get an incentive on the last week.

As the quarterback, fingers will naturally point towards Jameis Winston. Winston and teammates have made it clear this was a team decision. Still, the quarterback will be the one who will receive much of the praise or criticism, depending on which side you’re on. Allen expressed his displeasure with the decision, but teammates have rallied around Winston in the aftermath:

Saints players changed the play call to score late touchdown vs. Falcons

Saints players changed the play call to score a late touchdown for their teammate Jamaal Williams:

Sunday’s New Orleans Saints game stumbled into some late-afternoon dramatics when Jameis Winston and his teammates agreed to change the team’s play call. As head coach Dennis Allen said after the game, they wanted to score a late touchdown for their teammate Jamaal Williams.

It’s a nice gesture, but it undermined their coaches, and it goes to show little respect there is for Allen in the locker room — as well as how weak his grasp on what’s important to his players is. They first asked Allen if they could call a run for Williams, but were shut down, at which point they chose to take matters into their own hands.

Quarterback Jameis Winston and the offensive line agreed to audible into a run instead of the kneel-down as called. Right guard Cesar Ruiz shared his perspective to Nola.com’s Rod Walker, saying “I couldn’t go home without getting him one. Whatever heat that comes with that, put that on the O-line.”

Winston told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell that he apologized to Allen after the game for undermining his authority, though not all of his teammates felt the same way. To Walker, Winston said “We made a collective decision.”

It was a popular decision for some players like Cameron Jordan, who questioned the pushback when speaking with Terrell: “What do you mean? I loved it! I was mad Tyrann took so long to decide whether he wanted to score or not. Then we wouldn’t have had the little ‘How dare you score on us.’ It’s Atlanta Saints hate week”

It’s disappointing that Allen has had his job for two years — and spent much longer than that in the organization and in the city of New Orleans — and he still is so far off from being on the same page as the players and coaches. He’s out of touch. What the consequences of that may be are unclear. For now, Allen can take some solace in the fact that he’s finally ended a season with a winning record after five years as NFL head coach.

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Jameis Winston restructures his contract with the Saints for 2024

Jameis Winston restructured his contract with the Saints for 2024, buying time for both sides to explore an extension after Winston has explored his options:

This is complicated, so stay with us: Jameis Winston has restructured his contract with the New Orleans Saints for the 2024 season, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. But a complicating factor is that Winston’s contract will still expire before the start of the new league year, making him a free agent. The Saints did this on Jan. 6, the last day they were allowed to change any contracts for the purposes of facilitating a post-June 1 cut in 2024. Coincidentally, it was also Winston’s birthday.

How does this work? Why did the Saints do this? Let’s break it down.

Winston’s contract was previously set to expire in March, leaving behind more than $10 million in dead money from past restructures. What the Saints have done is restructure it into a new signing bonus (that has effectively already been paid) which temporarily lowers his 2024 salary cap hit to about $4.5 million. When — or if — his contract runs out in March, it will return to the $10.6 million cap hit.

This gives the Saints some short-term financial flexibility and expands their negotiating window to work on a new extension with Winston if both sides are up for it. They’ll each explore their options in the months ahead before making a decision, but this gives them a couple of paths forward where previously there was just one.

Another point to consider: the Saints can now designate Winston a post-June 1 release, meaning they’ll carry that $4.5 million cap hit until June 2, at which point the team will get about $1.2 million in savings while paying $7.3 million in dead money next year. One downside to that move is that teams are only allowed to designate two post-June 1 cuts each year, limiting their possible savings by processing those releases early. Michael Thomas is the other leading candidate for a post-June 1 cut designation, unless Ryan Ramczyk is forced into a premature medical retirement. Taking this path with Winston would limit the Saints’ options on other fronts.

So does this mean Winston is returning to the Saints for another year as Derek Carr’s backup? Not necessarily. That’s a route they can take if Winston doesn’t find a better opportunity during the legal tampering window, but it’s not the only path available to them. With more than $72 million left to clear before the Saints will reach salary cap compliance, their work is far from over.

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