Saints GM Mickey Loomis: 'We hope we're an option for' QB Jameis Winston

Jim Trotter of NFL Network recently reported the New Orleans Saints either already had or soon would open contract talks with to-be free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston, who was serving as the club's starter when he suffered a torn ACL and damage to his MCL on Halloween and was ultimately lost for the 2021 season. 

Winston's recovery seems to be going well, as he was spotted running on an anti-gravity treadmill in a video shared Monday. While it's still unknown if the 28-year-old will be ready to take the field for Week 1 this coming September, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told reporters Thursday he could be interested in a reunion. 

"Jameis is an option for us and we hope we’re an option for Jameis," Loomis said about the club's quarterback situation, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. 

The Saints may have competition for Winston this spring or summer, as he was recently linked with a Pittsburgh Steelers side looking to replace retired future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger.  

As noted by ESPN stats, Winston posted a career-best 102.8 passer rating with 14 touchdowns, three interceptions, 1,170 passing yards, and an above-average total QBR of 64.4 during this past campaign before the injury.