Free agency hasn’t even started, yet quarterbacks are already on the move. The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles have already traded their former franchise quarterbacks, and rumors across the league say that Marcus Mariota is next in line. There is going to be a lot of demand for free agent quarterbacks, and Jameis Winston is the best of the bunch. After spending 2020 as a backup, the former first-overall pick should have plenty of suitors willing to let him compete for a starting job.
[pickup_prop id=”5011″]
2021 Free Agent Team Fits: Jameis Winston
New England Patriots
After 20 years of stability at the NFL’s most important position, the New England Patriots now enter their second consecutive offseason looking for their long-term answer under center. Cam Newton wasn’t the primary problem in New England – nobody could succeed with that terrible supporting cast – but there is certainly room for improvement. Winston is younger and has put up similar efficiency numbers to Newton over the course of his career. There is a chance – albeit a slim one – that Winston turns into the long-term answer under center, and New England has the cap space to outbid anyone for his services.
New Orleans Saints
On paper, the New Orleans Saints are a perfect fit for Jameis Winston. After spending the 2021 season backing up Drew Brees, Winston should have a full mastery of the system and he definitely has the talent. However, Drew Brees hasn’t officially said that he’s retired, and Winston couldn’t beat out Taysom Hill when Brees was injured last year. When combining these factors with the fact that New Orleans is $70 million over the cap, then it’s easy to see Winston leaving for a higher bidder.
Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team signed Taylor Heinicke to a modest contract, but he’s not going to stop the team from looking for a better option under center. Heinicke played well in the NFC Wild Card Round, but it was only one game. There is no guarantee that he can maintain that success over a full season, and bringing in Winston ensures that Washington will have a solid passer under center in 2021. This quarterback battle would be one the most interesting storylines in the NFL if this signing actually happened.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos desperately want Drew Lock to be the long-term answer at quarterback. While the former second-round pick has had his share of impressive plays, he also makes quite a few bone-headed decisions and, overall, leaves a lot to be desired. Lock is a young player, so there is still time for him to improve. However, the Broncos need to have a Plan B in case Lock doesn’t take the next step. This team has a lot of talent, and Winston could have a great season throwing to the talented trio of Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Noah Fant.
Chicago Bears
The Mitchell Trubisky Era in Chicago is finally coming to a close. After four underwhelming seasons, the Bears are finally set to bring in some real competition at quarterback. Matt Nagy gets a lot of hate in the NFL community, but he still managed to guide a Trubisky-led offense to the playoffs in two of his three years as head coach. Perhaps, with a better quarterback, Nagy could open up his scheme and turn the Bears into a legitimate competitor.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
