Free agency is right around the corner, and there is a real chance that Saints quarterback Jameis Winston will find a new team. New Orleans is stuck with Derek Carr for at least one more season, and Winston might be in head coach Dennis Allen’s doghouse after a controversial final touchdown to end the season.
The former first-overall pick might not be the second coming of Peyton Manning, but he is good enough to start in the right system. With a shortage of starting-caliber quarterbacks, there is a real chance that Jameis Winston will earn a starting job in free agency. Winston himself is aware of this possibility and recently discussed his future while appearing on the Pardon My Take podcast.
Jameis Winston: Joining Falcons In Free Agency Would Be “Beautiful”
While appearing on the show, Winston was asked to name his preference for five different cities: Seattle, Atlanta, Washington, Foxboro, and Denver. Coincidentally, each one of these teams happens to have an NFL franchise that could sign a quarterback like Jameis Winston in free agency.
Winston quickly caught on to the connection and gave his preferred landing spot.
“Atlanta, I grew up an hour and a half from Atlanta,” Winston said. “I’m from Birmingham, Alabama. That would be a beautiful time just for my family. That would be beautiful. But I feel like I’m the attraction. I’m the thing, I’m the city, that is going to bring joy, love, trust, peace, and integrity to any location that I’m at. Because I’m a man of increase. Wherever it may be, that city, is going to get someone that is ready. A kingdom man that is prepared to grow everyone around him.”
It’s easy to see why Winston would want to go to the Falcons. While Washington and (possibly) New England are in a position to draft a franchise quarterback, Atlanta currently has the eighth-overall pick in the draft. Unless they trade up, they aren’t getting a top quarterback prospect. Jameis Winston would probably start in the short term if he signed here in free agency, and that’s all any quarterback wants.
In addition to the familiarity mentioned above, Atlanta also provides a favorable situation. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson are all great players and the offensive line is one of the best in the league.
The Wild Card here is Seattle. The Seahawks could easily move on from Geno Smith’s contract, but is signing Jameis Winston an upgrade? Seattle will probably be in the market for a new quarterback, but they’d probably want more than just a bridge quarterback.
Other Possible Fits
The biggest omission here is the Minnesota Vikings. With Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency, the Vikings might have to pivot to someone like Jameis Winston. The Vikings have a playoff-caliber roster, and Winston should thrive throwing bombs to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Of course, there is always the chance that Jameis Winston cannot land a starting job in free agency. While the Florida State product makes plenty of big plays, he also puts the ball in harm’s way too much. In addition to Cousins, players like Justin Fields, Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, and Gardner Minshew will be available, and there is a chance Winston is left without a starting job.
In this scenario, he’d probably sign as a backup with a team like the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers. Tyler Huntley is set to be a free agent, and the team is 3-6 when he’s had to take over for Lamar Jackson. Given Jackson’s injury history and play style, the team could choose to invest in a better backup. The Chargers, meanwhile, crashed and burned without Justin Herbert, and Winston would be a clear upgrade on Easton Stick.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
