Adam Forsythe / March 21, 2022

After plenty of discussion this offseason focused heavily on who will be the next signal caller for the New Orleans Saints, the team has decided to bring back a familiar face for the 2022 season.

On Monday afternoon, the team re-signed QB Jameis Winston to a two-year contract worth $28 million, including $21 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

After spending five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, Winston signed with the Saints in 2020 on a one-year deal to serve as backup to Drew Brees. Following Brees’ retirement in 2021, the Saints signed Winston to another one-year contract and named him the starter before the beginning of the 2021 regular season. Winston performed better than many fans expected through the first seven games of the season as he drastically reduced the turnovers that plagued him throughout his career. Through the first seven games, Winston completed 59% of his passes en route to 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Unfortunately, Winston’s season was cut short in week eight when he suffered a torn ACL with additional MCL damage against the Buccanneers.

Bringing back Winston always seemed to be the most logical choice, however, the Saints remained very busy in the quarterback market this offseason. The team had been linked to current 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo during the NFL Scouting Combine. The Saints were also heavily favored to land former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson before the Texans agreed to trade Watson to the Cleveland Browns as per Watson’s request.

Winston continues the theme of continuity that has been a major focus of the Saints’ offseason plans. Additionally, Winston’s contract is extremely cheap considering the current QB market, so there is plenty of cap space remaining for the Saints as they continue to pursue players via free agency. If the Saints can add some more offensive weapons for Winston, then he may be in line for a career renaissance in New Orleans.

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