Jameis Winston Wants To Be A Starting Quarterback, Believes No 'Clear Picture' With The New Orleans Saints
It was the final game, a final snap. Possibly, the final time in the black and gold. The play will be forever ingrained into New Orleans Saints fans' memories as Jameis Winston handed off the football to Jamaal Williams for his lone touchdown of the season.
He's proven to be the consummate teammate, lovable to fans, and remains a polarizing figure in the National Football League. Now, after overhauling the offensive coaching staff and philosophy by hiring new coordinator Klint Kubiak, is there a place for Jameis?
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) during warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
IS NEW ORLEANS IN THE PICTURE FOR JAMEIS WINSTON?
"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," Jameis told Saints News Network. "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."
Winston didn't say if the Saints want him to return as Derek Carr's backup, yet he clarified that being a backup is not his intent.
"However, 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."
He celebrated his 30th birthday on January 6. The talented former first-overall draft pick, national collegiate champion, and Heisman Trophy winner has yet to fulfill his dreams.
Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) is congratulated by quarterback Jameis Winston (2) after a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
WINSTON'S TIME WITH THE SAINTS
Under Sean Payton, Winston was 5-2 as a starter before tearing his ACL against Tampa Bay on Halloween in 2021. Payton's sudden retirement didn't deter him from returning, with Dennis Allen taking control of the team and Pete Carmichael providing continuity of the offense. As so it seemed.
The pairing of Allen and Winston may have been doomed from the start of training camp. He won the job, but there was never an overwhelming sense of endorsement from the Saints leadership once leadership changed.
During his second-half rally and heroics in Week 1 of 2022, New Orleans beat the Falcons, although Jameis' body took a harsh beating. He started Week 2 and Week 3 with fractured vertebrae and a torn ligament in his foot - both were losses. At 1-2, Allen sat him to heal. Unfortunately, the promise of regaining his starting job never materialized, and the Saints' season fell to 6-8 with Andy Dalton as the starter.
It was a strange predicament for Jameis. Despite the circumstances, he agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Saints, then they openly pursued and landed Derek Carr with a four-year, $150M contract.
Winston spent most of the season on the sidelines in 2023 but came in to relieve the injured starter twice. However, Carr returned to the lineup in the following games. Eventually, he would lead New Orleans to a 9-8 record without making the postseason for a third consecutive season.
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) celebrates after a victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
WHAT'S NEXT FOR JAMEIS, ONCE AGAIN
I asked. Jameis pondered and said, "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."
You can't fault Jameis Winston. Competitors yearn to play and win at a high level. Nonetheless, will another NFL team, head coach, general manager, and owner prepared to give him the keys to lead its franchise? At one point in 2023-24, up to 14 starting quarterbacks were injured. Having a reliable backup is a commodity. There are 32 slots for 32 starters; hence, the odds for Winston are low.
Is it in his best interest to get a fresh start elsewhere?
We shall see.
