The New Orleans Saints just missed getting into the NFL Playoffs this season, but the main concern is their future at the quarterback position. Gone are the days of knowing that Drew Brees would be in charge and that the team would be in good hands. Now, the Saints have to figure out which direction they want to go.

To start the 2021 NFL season, Jameis Winston was the Saints’ starter. He ended up playing in seven games before going down with a torn ACL. New Orleans could opt to bring him back, but most of the speculation seems to be that the Saints will go a different route than Winston.

On the roster currently, the Saints have three quarterbacks who played this year. They have Taysom Hill, Ian Book, and Trevor Siemian. Neither Siemian or Hill seem to be the ideal fit long-term for New Orleans. Book could be an option, but he doesn’t look quite ready for that kind of a role just yet.

All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at three potential offseason quarterback options for the Saints.

3. Trade For Either Deshaun Watson Or Russell Wilson

Let’s start with the least likely, but possible option. New Orleans could look to make a major blockbuster trade to bring in a current star quarterback. Watson or Wilson would be a massive upgrade and would put the Saints right back into Super Bowl contention.

However, it seems unlikely that the Saints would be willing to pay the price tag to get either of these guys.

That could change, but right now this seems like a fairly unlikely route. Wilson and Watson will both cost an arm and a leg, likely two first-round picks at a minimum. New Orleans should try to figure out another course of action first.

2. Give Ian Book A Chance To Start And Keep Taysom Hill

The second option would be to give the keys and starting opportunity to Ian Book. He will be entering his second NFL season and the Saints are high on him. That could be an option, although there are some concerns about his readiness to be thrust into a starting role.

Book only played in one game during his rookie season. While he didn’t play terribly well, the numbers shouldn’t be held against him either. He completed 12 of his 20 pass attempts for 135 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions.

It should be noted that Book was sacked eight times in that game. The Saints’ offensive line was downright awful. Book may not be ready to start, but he isn’t a horrible player either.

1. Simply Re-Sign Jameis Winston

Finally, there is one option that makes the most sense and gives the Saints the best chance to win. That option is simply re-signing Winston, despite all of the speculation that they aren’t interested in going that route.

Winston ended up completing 59 percent of his pass attempts for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions before going down with his injury. He also picked up 166 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Those numbers aren’t bad at all and they are deserving of another opportunity.

New Orleans saw Winston take care of the football and make wise decisions. He had some consistency concerns, but he also didn’t have Michael Thomas to work with. The Saints should simply re-sign Winston to a one-year deal and see what happens/