Report: Saints expected to name starting QB before final preseason game

It's unclear if the New Orleans Saints are leaning toward starting Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill in 2021. However, it appears a decision will be made soon. 

According to a report from NBC's Peter King, who spoke with Saints head coach Sean Payton at the team's practice on Friday, New Orleans is expected to name its starter before the final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 28. 

The Saints are set to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in their second preseason game Monday night, and Winston is expected to start, with Hill taking over later in the game. 

During the team's first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens last week, Winston completed 7-of-12 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown against an interception. Hill completed 8-of-12 passes for 81 yards and a pick. 

According to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate, neither quarterback has stood out in the preseason thus far, and a standout performance from either signal-caller could be enough to swing the competition. 

When Drew Brees went down with an injury last season, Payton opted to start Hill over Winston. However, it was reported later that he struggled with that decision, and many players believed Winston was going to be the starter in the veteran's absence. 

Winston has far more experience leading an offense than Hill. He spent five seasons leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became the first signal-caller in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season.