Jameis Winston: Here’s why

With both quarterbacks taking one-year deals and neither are inline to start, being in a position where they could potentially have a chance to play at someone point while learning from the coaching staff and starting quarterback, equates to the best scenario.

Winston’s deal with the Saints was a surprising one given that Drew Brees is one of the most pristine passers in the NFL and Winston is every bit the opposite. Although, after undergoing lasik eye surgery in the Spring, Winston claims his vision is much improved  — a potential recipe to improve his turnover rate.

After last season when Brees suffered a thumb injury, resulting in backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to take snaps under center, head coach Sean Payton displayed how well he can mold quarterbacks into his offensive system.

Bridgewater went on to post a record of 5-0 and has now become the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. Solid return on investment after taking the backup roll to sit underneath Brees for two seasons.

With Brees entering his age 41 season while also coming off an injury-plagued year, having an adequate backup is crucial for the Saints.

Winston certainly had to take a pay cut to land in this current role but sitting behind a future hall of fame quarterback and one of the best play-callers in the NFL will more than likely help his development.

Another aspect to monitor for Winston’s situation: Brees isn’t getting any younger and already has a contract with NBC Sports for his post-career so clearly retirement is on his mind. If Winston can show enough growth and mesh with coach Payton, he could find himself being the Saints quarterback moving forward after Brees.

In most years Winston would’ve found himself a new starting role but with the surplus of free agent quarterbacks and guys available in the draft, this was one of the better situations Winston could’ve ended up in after having to settle as a backup.