It seemed highly unlikely that the pairing would continue for another season, but the Saints left the decision up to Jameis Winston.
The team had already agreed to a deal to make Derek Carr its next starting quarterback, but a reduced deal was on the table. Winston could either take it and drop his salary from $12.8 million down into the range of a backup QB, or he could be cut and seek a new home and a possible starting QB job on the open market.
It seemed highly unlikely for a 29-year-old, former No. 1 overall pick who came into the last two seasons in the starting role to accept a step back into a reduced salary and role, but that's exactly what he did. The question that remained: Why? And Winston took to social media on Wednesday, the first official day of free agency, to explain just that.
"Why I came back," the post begins.
"First, I love this city. In all of my professional career, I've never felt so culturally in tune with a fan base. The Saints fans that I've met have been incredible. Y'all have me and my family feel at home. That is why last season was so disappointing to me. I want to see this team and city succeed. I know great things are ahead for this team, and this city.
"I was led here by the spirit, that's why I would never run away from this new challenge. The things that led me here are still here. A stable organization, a championship caliber team, and a great fan base. This year's team, like last year's team, is built to win a Super Bowl. Let there be no doubt, I am still a championship caliber starting quarterback in this league. However, getting healthy and staying healthy is my number one priority and I have suffered three devastating injuries over the least two years. I need to stay healthy to assist this year in getting to where we want to go.
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"Most importantly, I need to stay healthy to get me where I want to go in my career! With that being said, I will serve and lead however I need to see this organization and city win. I am proud to say for one more year, at least, Who Dat!"
It's fitting that Winston calls back to the reason he came to New Orleans in the first place, because it wasn't that different a scenario. After five seasons with Tampa Bay, the team had signed a veteran in Tom Brady and he was a free agent for the first time heading into the 2020 season. He chose to join the Saints, knowing full well he'd be behind Drew Brees on the depth chart. There would be no position battle. This year he's doing the same, with Carr in line to be the unquestioned starter.
The point about health also can't be questioned. Winston won the starting job heading into the 2021 season and had his team out to a 4-2 start with 14 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions when he was dragged down from behind by Bucs LB and former teammate Devin White. His foot got stuck in the Superdome turf and a significant knee injury ended his season. He rehabbed and returned for the 2022 season, only to have significant foot and back injuries force him to the bench. Andy Dalton, who has since signed with the Panthers in free agency, took over for Week 4 and ultimately started the final 14 games.
Winston's new, 1-year deal will reportedly pay him $4 million with a max value of $8 million if all incentives are hit. As far as the Saints are concerned, they now have a premium insurance policy if Carr has to miss games due to injury. That's a scenario they know well. Dating back to 2019, the Saints have gone into 33 of 66 games with a different quarterback than it started the season with (that group consists of Teddy Bridgewater, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, Ian Book and Andy Dalton).
If that happens again this year, it'll be Winston's name added to the list.
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