- New Orleans Saints are in talks with QB Jameis Winston.
- Former Tampa Bay starter might be a long-term solution.
- Taysom Hill signs a two-year deal with his current club.
Jameis Winston Close to New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints are aware that the Drew Brees era is nearing its end. Even though the legendary quarterback signed a two-year deal worth $50 million after the end of the 2019 campaign, everybody is clear that with 41 years of age, he can’t stay around much longer. On top of all, his backup Teddy Bridgewater left New Orleans and went to Carolina, where he replaced Cam Newton as the new starter.
Because of all this, the Saints had to react fast, and according to multiple reports, they are very close to clinching a one-year contract with the former No.1 pick Jameis Winston. Winston, who was a part of the Buccaneers since 2015, left the team who didn’t offer him a new contract, but instead brought Tom Brady.
In the previous campaign, he led the league in passing yards, 5,109, but also in interceptions, 30. After Bruce Arians landed in Florida, Winston became even more aggressive in his game, which provided 30 TD passes but had many negative sides. Eventually, the organization didn’t want to negotiate a new arrangement with him.
The Saints, however, recognized a nice chance to test the 26-year old and see whether he has what it takes to become Brees’ successor. If this deal goes ahead, and many believe that it would, Winston will have one year to learn under Brees and Payton and prove himself worthy of a chance to step and lead one of the best teams in the league right now.
The former Heisman Trophy winner, AP Player of the Year, and the Pepsi Rookie of the Year, is doubted a lot, mostly due to his reckless style of play and hotheaded character, but he certainly has what it takes to be among the elite layer of QBs in the league.
Taysom Hill Staying for Two More Years in New Orleans
The utility man and one of the favorites of the Saints’ fans, Taysom Hill, signed a two-year deal worth $21 million from which $16 million are guaranteed.
“I’ve felt a lot of love from the organization and the fan base. … My wife and I always wanted to stay in New Orleans, so this worked out perfect,” Hill said after signing a deal.
This is a reward for a quarterback from BYU, who played everything under the head coach Sean Payton. Since arriving at Big Easy in 2017, he posted 42 appearances and 9 starts. Hill recorded 169 passing yards, caught 25 passes for 265 yards and 8 touchdowns, along with 410 running yards and three TDs on the ground.
He would be used for the same role in the future, with the note, that he might be getting more action at the QB position if Brees picks up an injury, and the deal with Winston isn’t arranged.
Before inking a deal, Hill was a restricted free agent, but he stated that he doesn’t want to hurry with leaving NO, as he feels comfortable there.
