Jameis Winston loves New Orleans. He has embraced the Big Easy and the Big Easy has embraced him right back.
Unfortunately, the time may soon come where they must split.
The 30-year-old quarterback is a pending free agent. He restructured his deal last offseason to remain with the Saints for one additional season after joining the team in 2020. It seems as though last year will also be his last.
Winston wants to start. Derek Carr’s four-year, $150 million contract makes that virtually impossible in NOLA.
As a result, despite his appreciation for the city and its people, Winston is likely to sign elsewhere in the coming months. That is what he appeared to indicate to Saints News Network, at least.
God will guide Winston to where he needs to be, wherever that may be.
Well, what next with me is wherever God, and whatever he has in his will for me. I’m going to do my best to dominate the opportunity. It’s such a love for the city. I just admire the individuals. And I admire the culture and the integrity that this city possesses.
— Jameis Winston, via Saints News Network
However, it seems as though staying with the Saints as a backup is not in his future.
My goal is to be, and my desire is to be, a Super Bowl-winning starting quarterback in this league. Right now, that doesn’t look like a very clear picture with the New Orleans Saints.
— Jameis Winston, via Saints News Network
At 30 years old, the former No. 1 overall pick has had a tumultuous career in the NFL thus far. There have been moments of excellence and moments of great struggle.
Although he is willing to give everything he has to whatever he is asked to do and beloved by all, Jameis Winston wants to start. It is his priority.
That is why New Orleans presumably does not make sense for his future.
I played every role I could play within the organization. I’m always going to be an uplifting teammate and uplifting throughout the building. However, my heart truly desires to be starting and taking advantage of the gifts and talents that God has provided me. To be able to have this platform, to be able to build a relationship with the community, able to inspire young kids, and to uplift others. My main goal? I’m still chasing my dream.
— Jameis Winston, via Saints News Network
While Winston did not rule out a return to the second-place finishers in the AFC South, the Saints cannot provide him with a starting job. That seems to be a dealbreaker, which will require him to test the market and see if an organization is willing to give him a shot.
Potential suitors include Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and/or Washington, but there is no clear path to a starting job for 2024 elsewhere in the league so a return to New Orleans should not be ruled out!