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After both he and the New Orleans Saints hoped a change of scenery would turn Jameis Winston into the quarterback he was supposed to be when he was taken as the #1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately for Winston, though, the Saints signed Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr during the offseason, which likely signals the end of their attempt to rehabilitate his career as a starter.
Jameis’ confidence has been shaken, however, as the 29-year-old — while explaining why he re-signed with New Orleans to be a back-up for Carr — recently claimed that he’s still a starting-caliber signal-caller.
In a lengthy post on Instagram announcing his return to the Saints, Winston said that he believes the 2023 Saints are “built to win the Super Bowl”.
“First, I love this city. In all of my professional career, I’ve never felt so culturally in tune with a fan base. The Saints fans that I’ve met have been incredible. Y’all have made me and my family feel at home. That is why last season was so disappointing to me. I want to see this team and city succeed. I know great things are ahead for this team, and this city! I was led here by the spirit that’s why I would never run away from this new challenge,” Winston said.
Winston continued to explain that injuries have hampered him in recent seasons and that his goal is to get healthy and stay healthy:
“The things that led me here are still here. A stable organization, a championship-caliber team, and a great fan base. This year’s team like last year’s team is built to win a Super Bowl. Let there be no doubt, I am still a championship-caliber starting quarterback in this league,” he said.
“However, getting healthy and staying healthy is my number one priority and I have suffered three devastating injuries over the last two years. I need to stay healthy to assist this team in getting to where we want to go. Most importantly, I need to stay healthy to get me where I want to go in my career! With that being said, I will serve and lead however I need to see this organization and city win! I am proud to say for one more year, at least Who Dat!”
Despite Winston’s title aspirations, the bookmakers in Las Vegas don’t seem to agree with his assertions as the Saints aren’t even in the top 15 — behind the likes of the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Jacksonville Jaguars — when it comes to the betting odds for next year’s Super Bowl winner.
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