Jameis Winston has spent the last four years of his career with the New Orleans Saints, primarily in a backup role.
Now, the veteran quarterback is getting set to hit free agency, and while he has appreciated his time in New Orleans, he thinks it may be time to move on for a greater opportunity.
“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,” Winston said, via Kyle Mosley of 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. 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.”
Winston is currently serving as Derek Carr’s backup. This past season, Winston threw a grand total of 47 passes, totaling 264 yards, a couple of touchdowns and three interceptions.
The 30-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Florida State, was originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He spent the first five years of his career with the Buccaneers and was a major disappointment, but he certainly posted some interesting numbers. For example, during his final year in Tampa Bay, Winston threw for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, making him the only signal-caller in league history to post 30 touchdowns and 30 picks in the same season.
Winston then joined the Saints, where he has played in 21 games and made 10 starts. He showed some flashes in 2021, totaling 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions in seven starts, but he has never really gotten an opportunity to become the No. 1 quarterback in New Orleans.
It’s hard to imagine another team handing Jameis Winston a starting job this offseason, but perhaps he will at least be able to compete for that role elsewhere.
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