Winston doesn't lack confidence despite Carr signing

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Jameis Winston doesn't lack confidence despite Derek Carr signing

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/15/23

Though Jameis Winston likely could have had an opportunity to compete for a starting job on another team, the 29-year-old signal caller chose to return to the New Orleans Saints to back up Derek Carr.

In a recent social media post, the former Heisman Trophy winner wanted to clear up any misconceptions about his motivations for accepting a restructured one-year deal with a $4 million base salary worth up to $8 million to stay in New Orleans.

“I was led here by the spirit, that’s why I would never run away from this new challenge,” Winston tweeted on Wednesday. “The things that led me here are still here. …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 last two years.”

NFC South QBs under contract for next season as of today:

Saints:
Derek Carr
Jameis Winston*
Jake Luton

Falcons:
Desmond Ridder
Logan Woodside

Buccaneers
Kyle Trask

Panthers:
Matt Corral
Jacob Eason

*likely cap casualty
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2023

Winston had one year remaining on the two-year, $28 million deal he signed with the Saints in 2022, but the team wanted him to take a pay cut to accommodate Carr’s new four-year, $150 million contract. He did so to lower the $15.2 million he counted against the cap in 2023.

“I will serve and lead however I need to see this organization and city win,” Winston said.

Winston appeared in just three games in 2022 before suffering a season-ending back injury. He threw for 858 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. He originally signed with the Saints in 2020 as a backup behind Drew Brees and was named the starter in 2021 after Brees retired.

The former No. 1 overall pick had a surprisingly efficient season that year, leading New Orleans to a 5-2 record with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions before tearing his ACL in Week 7.

Winston has not played a full season since 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has a 34-46 record as a starter in eight NFL seasons.

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