According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the New Orleans Saints have signed quarterback Jameis Winston of Bessemer, Alabama to a one year contract on Tuesday. The terms of the contract are for one year and worth $1.1 million. However, Winston has an opportunity to make in the neighbourhood of $5 million if he is able to achieve some pre-agreed upon incentives.
The Saints become Winston’s second NFL franchise. The former first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, played the last five seasons with the Buccaneers and was selected to the Pro Bowl in his rookie year of 2015. Last season in 2019, Winston completed 380 of 626 passes for 5109 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. In a bizarre season statistically, Winston led the NFL in passing yards and yards per game (319.3), but also interceptions as well.
The Buccaneers moved away from Winston when they were able to sign future hall of famer Tom Brady. What is staggering is that Winston is a decent quarterback, and could make just over $1 million this season. One could argue that there is no way Brady and Saints quarterback Drew Brees are 25 times the quarterback Winston is. They are each earning $25 million this season. Meanwhile, Teddy Bridgewater, who was the Saints backup in 2019, is set to make $21 million with the Carolina Panthers in 2020.
It should be noted that Brees missed five games last season with a torn ligament in his thumb, and will enter the season at 41 years of age. By signing Winston, the Saints now have the luxury of amazing quarterback depth.
The Saints also have emerging multi-dimensional star Taysom Hill of Pocatello, Idaho in the mix. Hill, a restricted free agent, signed a two-year contract extension on Sunday worth $21 million. Hill was considered to be very active in the Saints passing attack before the team came to terms with Winston, and it will be very interesting to see how he will be used by Saints head coach Sean Payton in 2020. In addition to being used as a quarterback, Hill can be used as a tight end, wide receiver, full back, kick returner, and field goal blocker, making him one of the most multi-dimensional players in National Football League history.
