As the Saints approach free agency with mystery shrouding their future starting quarterback, Jameis Winston's recovery from a major knee injury will likely be watched very closely by all the QB-needy teams.
Departed head coach Sean Payton recalled the "gut-wrenching" injury for his former QB, suffered in a Week 9 win over the Bucs. And it was particularly painful to watch, he said on WFAN 105.7 in Baltimore earlier this week, because he knew how much time and energy Winston had put in to get to that point.
But he's confident there's a "second act" coming for Winston, wherever he lands in free agency, which kicks off later this month.
"He’s a young player. He came into our league with every accolade you could have, a Heisman Trophy winner, first pick of the draft, he’s a tremendous teammate and worker," Payton said. "The 2 years we were together were fantastic."
Payton was speaking on Inside Access with Jason La Canfora and Ken Weinman, and relayed one of Winston's best qualities: He's very difficult to bring down. He recalled several plays he likened to now-retired Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger where he turned a play that appeared dead into a positive result. And that will stand out for the teams, including the Saints and Steelers, who are still seeking their next starting quarterback.
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Payton, now in the mix for gameday analysis gigs that are still in the works, projected a strong market for Winston. He didn't reference the Saints' potential plans in that regard, but Winston's ability to arrive in New Orleans and make an immediate impact will speak volumes even as he continues to work back from the torn knee ligaments that ended his 2021 season following a 5-2 start.
"I definitely think he’s going to have some really good options, and I definitely think that he’ll be healthy in time," Payton said. "But when teams get a chance to see what was the first pick in the draft not too long ago, a guy that right away came to a different club and then made that impact, I think that’s going to serve him well.”
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